| Procedure | Sedentary admin | Sedentary light manual | Active light manual | Heavy manual | Physically demanding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discectomy via laminotomy or foraminotomy | 1-2 weeks | 2 weeks | 2-4 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 6-12 weeks |
| Discectomy via laminectomy | 4 weeks | 4 weeks | 6-8 weeks | 6-12 weeks | 12 weeks |
| Spinal decompression and fusion | 6-12 weeks | 8-12 weeks | 12 weeks | 3-6 months | 6-12 months |