Tiger Woods’ Back Problem and How He Broke Through
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Everyone knows about Tiger Woods’ back problem. Every golf fan is aware of Tiger Woods’ injuries that he experienced throughout his illustrious career. Tiger Woods has experienced arm, leg, knee, and back injuries.
Woods had undergone various surgical procedures to treat golf-related injuries. In today’s article, we will specifically discuss Tiger Woods’ back problem and how he managed to overcome it. Read on!
Tiger Woods’ Back Problem
Tiger withdrew from a major tournament in May 2010 due to a tingling sensation in his right side. Woods’ doctors suspected that the tingling sensation was due to a herniated disc. However, Woods did not undergo proper diagnostics.
A few years later, in August 2023, Wood experienced a stiff neck and withdrew from a tournament after playing nine holes out of eighteen. Woods dropped to the ground during the thirteenth hole due to severe pain.
According to Tiger Woods, the too-soft mattress in his hotel room might have caused the pain and discomfort. In March 2014, Tiger withdrew from another tournament, “The Honda Classic,” due to severe back pain.
Woods had problems while stretching and moving. Golf and back pain go side by side. It can affect both amateurs and professional players. Anyway, Woods withdrew from the tournament after playing the sixth hole.
Tiger Woods’ Back and Pain and Microdiscectomy
In April 2014, the champion golfer underwent a microdiscectomy procedure to treat back pain. Microdiscectomy is the most popular surgical approach to treat a pinched nerve. Woods did not participate in the Masters’ tournament due to the surgery and recovery period. However, Woods aimed to start playing again in the summer season.
A microdiscectomy is an effective surgery for treating a herniated disc. Woods had a herniated disc that caused nerve compression, leading to severe discomfort and pain. The surgeon removed the herniated disc that pressed on a nerve root.
The procedure requires the surgeon to use a special microscope to view the herniated disc and surrounding area. The view enables the surgeon to make a small incision and spare the muscles and tissues surrounding the herniated disc.
Golf and Back pain
Research shows that golf and back pain are interrelated. Golfers can develop spinal disorders and overuse injuries due to repeated movements while playing golf. Lower back pain is common with golfers.
Tiger Woods’ back pain is the most famous example of how golf can cause severe back pain. Woods underwent a second microdiscectomy surgery and then a follow-up surgery to treat his back pain.
Although microdiscectomy surgeries were successful and Woods’ fans saw him again playing golf, Tiger developed spasms in his lower back. The pain radiated from his lower spine to his legs.
Tiger Woods’ Back Problem and ALIF Surgery
Tiger Woods underwent anterior interbody fusion, also known as ALIF surgery, to treat back spasms and sciatica. It was Woods’ fourth spine surgery within three years. During the procedure, Tiger Woods’ orthopedic surgeon approached the spine by making an incision in the front – i.e., below the belly button.
The surgeon removed the damaged disc and filled the empty space with a bone graft material using a mesh cage, rods, and screws. The primary goal of ALIF surgery is to stabilize the pain and reduce discomfort, inflammation, and pain in the lower back. Many conditions, such as degenerated discs, herniated discs, spinal fractures, and scoliosis, can cause instability in the spine.
Because Woods had previously undergone three surgeries performed from a posterior approach, the surgeon couldn’t carry out another procedure by making an incision in the spine. Doing so would have led to permanent disability. That’s why Tiger Woods’ back surgeon decided to perform the surgery with an anterior approach.
ALIF Surgery at MINT, Plano, TX
MINT is a reputable spine clinic in Plano, TX, with qualified, experienced, licensed, and board-certified neurosurgeons who successfully performed various spinal procedures, including ALIF surgeries. Our neurosurgeons follow a minimally invasive approach, allowing them to make a small incision in the back or front to approach the damaged area in the spine.
During the ALIF surgery, our surgeon makes an incision in the patient’s belly to reach his lower spine, remove the damaged disc, and fill the empty space with a bone graft material. Bear in mind that we use FDA-approved instruments to ensure quick and effective fusion.
Moreover, minimally invasive ALIF procedure offers a wide range of benefits, including minimal scarring, less blood loss during the operation, shorter hospital stays, and quick rehabilitation. It does not cause damage to the surrounding muscles, tissues, and nerves. So, if you have spinal pain and want to undergo advanced treatment like Tiger Woods’ back problem and ALIF surgery, contact us today!
