I had microdiscectomy surgery on my low back. Will I be more likely to injure this area from hard work, and will my risk of injury get better or worse with time?

Like a ligament, the disc helps hold the bones of the spine steady. When part of the disc is removed, it can have an effect on the stability of the spine. From this standpoint, you might be at higher risk for injury when doing hard work such as heavy lifting, twisting, or bending. Because the disc has been injured, you could also be at risk of future injury, especially if you don't do anything to keep your back and abdominal muscles healthy and strong.

People with a history of back pain, injury, or surgery may be more likely to have future problems. This is not to say that your risk will get steadily worse over time. Keeping your back healthy with safe lifting practices, a good conditioning program, and ongoing exercise may help reduce the chances of future problems.