How much recovery time to plan — work, driving, exercise

For a lumbar microdiscectomy: expect one to two weeks off desk work, four to six weeks off physical work, and no gym or contact sport for six weeks.

For an ACDF or cervical disc surgery: two to three weeks off desk work, six to eight weeks off physical work, driving after two to three weeks provided you can turn your head comfortably.

For a craniotomy: two to six weeks off work depending on the operation and your job. Driving is legally restricted after a craniotomy — typically for at least four weeks and longer if there were seizures. Air travel is usually fine after two to four weeks.

For a lumbar fusion: office work at four to six weeks, physical work at three months, and full return to sport at six months once the bone has fused.

These are averages. Your recovery might be faster or slower, and I will personalise it at your follow-up visit. Return to work is not just about the incision — it is about concentration, tiredness and safety on the job.