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 Points: Gio’s Magic Moment
To this day, Gio Bernard does not know what possessed him to shake off his dodgy ankle and take the field to receive a punt...
Thu Oct 29, 2026

Video: Reliving UNC vs. Miami 2004 with Jesse Holley and Connor Barth
Former UNC wide receiver Jesse Holley and kicker Connor Barth talk about the Tar Heels' huge 2004 win over the No. 4 Hurricanes in Chapel...
Thu Oct 29, 2026

Derek McDonald Named Butkus Award Semifinalist
UNC linebacker Derek McDonald has been named one of 15 semifinalists for the Butkus Award, which recognizes the nation's top college linebacker. McDonald is one...
Thu Oct 29, 2026

Inside UNC Football's GM search: How Bill Belichick could reshape the Tar Heels' future
In September, UNC Football general manager Michael Lombardi resigned from his post following an HR investigation. The GM role has been handled effectively by Belichick,...
Thu Oct 29, 2026