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

Extra Point: War Stories
It's a fascinating story to remember as UNC Football celebrates Military Appreciation Day on Saturday. On the same field in Kenan Stadium where the Tar...
Wed Nov 11, 2026

Video: Tar Heel Tribune - Interview With Joe Jauch
Former North Carolina wide receiver and current Tar Heel Sports Network analyst Joe Jauch joins the Tar Heel Tribune podcast to discuss the current state...
Wed Nov 11, 2026

UNC QB Billy Edwards' Surge Starts With Bobby Petrino
If Bill Belichick hadn't hired Bobby Petrino as his offensive coordinator in January, Billy Edwards Jr. might've been somewhere else. Edwards and the offense struggled...
Wed Nov 11, 2026

Video: Coach's Corner with Bill Belichick - UNC vs. Louisville Football Preview
The Tar Heel Football offense is rolling, and Coach Bill Belichick joins Jones Angell to break down exactly how the fourth-down call gets made. Plus,...
Wed Nov 11, 2026