Did GZ really need surgery ?

[I like Rams]

Of course it's a completely different movement.
That doesn't mean he will or won't be able to kick again.
That was my point.

But they're doing some major great work in that area so I have hope he'll be fine.

Not saying he won't or will, just saying you cant really compare a sport that uses heavy torso rotation to a position in another that uses minimal with not knowing which vertebrae is affected and what the herniation looks like . I also think Tigers decline was a plethora of issues regarding both physical and mental. His life pretty much fell apart after his cheating scandal came out.

Anyway, hoping for the best for GZ, I think he'll be ok.

 

[LACHAMP46]

Back pain

Is a destroyer of worlds too....kinda like Aaron Donald....hell yeah he needed surgery.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

It was so weird that GZ injured his back so bad that he needed emergency season ending back surgery for a herniated disk. I’ve thankfully never injured my back but couldn’t he have just taken 2 or 3 weeks rest and see if it settled down on its own? I’ve heard from people that sometimes you are never the same after having back surgery. Don’t know how that would affect a kicker like GZ. Hopefully he’s strong for next season! I’m just surprised the Rams team physicians and GZ didn’t wait longer after his back flared up from sleeping funny on it.

I have rods from C1-C4. My neck motion is limited. I don't sleep well on it. It affects every aspect of my life. Now, a herniated disk can be a rather routine repair for a specialist. They can even do it laproscopically, which reduces muscle damage and increases the healing rate. But he will have a slightly different spinal configuration. Fusing two vertebra together puts a lot more stress on the ones above and below it. There is some torque on the spine when kicking. It could affect his kicking. You have to wonder how strong he can be by next summer. I am not in my prime but it took me a year and a half to feel like I had my energy fully returned. My surgery was a lot more invasive than Zeurlein's should be.

I’m no doctor but I wonder if he will ever
Be the same kicker again.

No guarantees. I was told I should be able to return to work after a year of healing. I was able to do some of the physical stuff but not close to what I was capable of before my problems arose. Eventually I started getting headaches and neck cramping. Scar tissue build up, is likely the reason. And like I said above, fusing two together creates a weak point above and below the fusion. It puts more stress on the vertebrae when it comes to twisting and impact. Fortunately Gregg hasn't had to do any tackling with how good the speed dial teams are.

 

[dasramas]

GZ needed the surgery. As has been mentioned the pain can be excruciating. My father had many back issues from mid 1970s and had Steve surgeries. Had he not had the issues back then he would have been better off. New procedures are much improved.
I myself have had my cervical spine fused twice in different levels. Two rods and six screws in C2/3-3\4 as well as two plates and four screws in C4/5-5/6.
Back and neck issues are serious and we only have one spine. The impact of an injury to said spine is pretty big.
Hopefully GZ being young will benefit him in his recovery.

 

[Legatron4]

I’ve had lower back pain for about 3 years now. It hurt more when I stand for long periods of time. I’m afraid to go to the doctor because I don’t want to get surgery at 25 years old. But I know I will have to eventually.

 

[hirorams]

I’ve had lower back pain for about 3 years now. It hurt more when I stand for long periods of time. I’m afraid to go to the doctor because I don’t want to get surgery at 25 years old. But I know I will have to eventually.

I herniated my C4 and C5 disk (lower neck area) that caused shooting pain down my right arm and the needles sensation in my pinky, ring and middle finger 24/7. After 2 stints of physical therapy and no improvement I decided to have surgery. Thankfully the neurosurgeon dissuaded me from going through with the surgery.

I started seeing a chiropractor who after 3 months had made no progress in alleviating my symptoms. Finally he made a different adjustment to my neck and instantly my symptoms subsided away. After suffering for 6 months that was such an emotional relief. At 25 you are still young. Look at all your options before deciding for surgery. At the least consider going through physical therapy. The neurosurgeon did state that even with surgery he could not guarantee that it would resolve my pain.

In regards to GZ I am still amazed he was able to perform in his last game.

 

[Legatron4]

I herniated my C4 and C5 disk (lower neck area) that caused shooting pain down my right arm and the needles sensation in my pinky, ring and middle finger 24/7. After 2 stints of physical therapy and no improvement I decided to have surgery. Thankfully the neurosurgeon dissuaded me from going through with the surgery.

I started seeing a chiropractor who after 3 months had made no progress in alleviating my symptoms. Finally he made a different adjustment to my neck and instantly my symptoms subsided away. After suffering for 6 months that was such an emotional relief. At 25 you are still young. Look at all your options before deciding for surgery. At the least consider going through physical therapy. The neurosurgeon did state that even with surgery he could not guarantee that it would resolve my pain.

In regards to GZ I am still amazed he was able to perform in his last game.

Thanks. I get the numbness in my fingers as well. Especially after sleeping. I’ve been to the chiropractor multiple times and it never seems to make a difference. I’m not sure what the answer is but I’m tired of feeling like I’m 90 years old.