How long do nerves and muscles take to heal after back surgery?

It varies: It depends on how much irritation there was before surgery, how long it was there, and how much of those tissues were manipulated during that procedure. Many will improve quickly (days to weeks), others take months, and some never fully recover. Follow your surgeon's instructions, and ask questions if your recovery is delayed.

Initial versus late: Wound healing initially 2 weeks. Then, nerves need to recover (may take months).