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

Video: WR Coach Garrick McGee, UNC Football Players Monday Pre-Miami Press Conferences
North Carolina wide receivers coach Garrick McGee, running back Demon June, tight end Jelani Thurman, and defensive back Coleman Bryson speak with the media on...
Mon Oct 26, 2026

Why CJ Sadler didn’t play vs. Syracuse as Nyqir Helton’s role surged
C.J. Sadler went from starting at wide receiver for UNC to not playing an offensive snap Saturday against Syracuse, a change Bill Belichick attributed to...
Mon Oct 26, 2026

Derek McDonald Named ACC Linebacker Of The Week
For the second time this season, North Carolina's Derek McDonald has been named ACC Linebacker of the Week. It marks the second consecutive week that...
Mon Oct 26, 2026

Bill Belichick questions camera setup after controversial two-point conversion
Bill Belichick said the ACC didn’t have the needed replay views to overrule the on-field call on Syracuse’s game-winning two-point conversion in overtime. At his...
Mon Oct 26, 2026