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

Podcast: Carolina Football Live - UNC vs. Pitt Recap, Duke Preview
North Carolina head football coach Bill Belichick joins Jones Angell to recap the Tar Heels' 21-17 victory over No. 25 Pitt, preview Saturday's matchup at...
Fri Oct 16, 2026

Xavier Lewis’ Unlikely Journey from Unheralded Recruit to UNC Football Star
Bill Belichick joined Rolesville football coach Ranier Rackley and defensive coordinator Kevin Reddick in the meeting room. Reddick, a former UNC linebacker, knew of Belichick’s...
Fri Oct 16, 2026

Carolina Insider Podcast: Duke preview, Indiana preview, Malloy Smith and Andrew Threatt join
UNC Football visits Duke in the Battle for the Victory Bell (4:56). Tar Heel Basketball has its second exhibition match-up as it travels to Indianapolis...
Fri Oct 16, 2026

UNC Football vs. Duke: 3 keys and a prediction
Prediction: North Carolina 23, Duke 20: The Tar Heels were a mess last season and nearly knocked off the eventual ACC champions. More disciplined with...
Fri Oct 16, 2026