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

Lawrence Taylor to be inducted into New Jersey Hall of Fame
Lawrence Taylor recorded 73.5 of his 132.5 career sacks in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Now he will be inducted into the state's Hall of Fame...
Fri Jul 17, 2026

Video: Bill Belichick Friday ACC Kickoff Press Conference
North Carolina head football coach Bill Belichick speaks with the media on Friday afternoon as part of the Atlantic Coast Conference's annual Kickoff event in...
Fri Jul 17, 2026

Schools tried to lure Melkart Abou Jaoude, Jordan Shipp with big money last season
There were plenty of schools that wanted to flash big money at defensive lineman Melkart Abou Jaoude and wide receiver Jordan Shipp to lure them...
Fri Jul 17, 2026

Video: UNC Football Player Breakout Interviews At ACC Kickoff
North Carolina defensive end Melkart Abou Jaoude, offensive lineman Christo Kelly, and wide receiver Jordan Shipp speak with reporters on Friday morning during a breakout...
Fri Jul 17, 2026