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

Can we talk about the Mack Brown 2.0 era correctly?
Between the mediocre record that was celebrated in 2019, the chance to get into the playoff that was dropped because of a weird performance in...
Thu Aug 13, 2026

Peyton Seelmann Named To Butkus Award Watch List
UNC junior Peyton Seelmann has been named to the 2026 Butkus Award Watch List, presented to the nation's top collegiate linebacker. The Mechanicsville, Virginia, native...
Thu Aug 13, 2026

Tar Heels Kick Off NFL Preseason This Weekend
Every team with a Tar Heel in NFL training camps plays its preseason opener this weekend, with stars such as Drake Maye or Javonte Williams...
Thu Aug 13, 2026

UNC Football players raise funds, awareness through weightlifting
Strength and conditioning are key to every athlete’s development. UNC Football players recently turned their workouts into a show of support for the rare disease...
Thu Aug 13, 2026