Back troubles derail Roger Heinz
Posted Apr 7, 2006
Disc degeneration, a common disorder of the lower spine, is a normal part of aging. It will affect most people and is generally not a problem by itself. Roger Heinz wishes his prognosis was as simple. There are days when Heinz, a junior at North Carolina, suffers from severe back and leg pain, has difficulty standing or walking and experiences weakness or numbness in his legs while sitting in class due to rapid disc degeneration. "I am 21 with the lower back of a 70-year-old," Heinz said.
(Tallahassee Democrat)
Related: Football, Football Recruiting
Jaiden Patterson’s growth fuels UNC defense aiming for faster startNow entering his junior season, UNC defensive back Jaiden Patterson is building on his late-season success while stepping out of his comfort zone and emerging...
Tue Mar 31, 2026How Jordan Shipp became UNC Football's most trusted voice
Wide receiver Jordan Shipp returns not just as a captain, but as a leader tasked with helping shape UNC Football's second season under Bill...
Tue Mar 31, 2026
Newsletter: UNC Basketball Coaching Search, Smith Center Debate Tabled, Caleb Wilson To NBA Draft
The North Carolina Men's Basketball coaching search is in full swing, Caleb Wilson is off to the NBA Draft, the Smith Center vs. new arena...
Mon Mar 30, 2026
Video: Inside UNC Football with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic
Aer Lingus College Football Classic Ambassadors Ciarán Kilkenny and Phoebe Schecter go behind the scenes with the UNC Football Program ahead of the Tar Heels...
Sun Mar 29, 2026