An Update On Tiger Woods’ Injuries
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Many fans want Tiger Woods’ injury update to know about his health after Tiger Woods’ back surgery, which happened in April 2017. A few years ago, Tiger Woods underwent a minimally invasive lumbar interbody fusion surgery to treat his back pain and sciatic leg pain.
After a successful surgery, the surgeon advised him to undergo rehabilitation, which is essential in terms of pain relief and faster recovery. In today’s article, we will tell you about the events after Tiger Woods’ successful ALIF surgery. Read on!
Tiger Woods’ Injury Update
In January 2018, Tiger Woods made returned to the PGA tour. In March 2018, he played the Arnold Palmer Innovational and the Valspar Championship, which motivated Tiger to play golf with confidence. As a result, he participated in the 2019’s Masters Tournament and won it. Woods looked completely clear of any back injuries or pain.
In March 2019, Tiger pulled out of the Arnold with a neck strain. According to Tiger, he had the neck strain for a few weeks. However, according to his doctor, there was nothing serious, which means Tiger had a green signal to play the Players Championship.
In April 2019, Tiger Woods won the Masters for the 5th time. It was his 15th major title in the brilliant career. It is important to know that Tiger Woods remained injury-free. In August 2019, Woods pulled out of the Northern Trust because he had a mild strain, which caused stiffness and pain.
It came a few months after Tiger did not participate in the Royal Portrush. Although he looked quite sluggish because he had played three major tournaments after his victory at the Masters. So, when it comes to Tiger Woods Injury Update, there were a few problems, but overall, he is looking fine and fit.
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Interbody Fusion
ALIF is a minimally invasive Tiger Woods’ back surgery that was performed by Dr. Richard Guyer in April 2017. Since then, Tiger Woods has not suffered from any back pain and sciatic pain in his leg. Considering the overall health of Tiger Woods, ALIF surgery was a miracle for him.
ALIF is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the removal of the degenerated disc in the spine. In Tiger’s case, Dr. Guyer made a small incision in the front to approach the lumbar spine. Then, he removed the disc at the L5-S1 joint and placed a meshed cage that contained the bone graft material.
There are many reasons why Dr. Guyer chose to perform the ALIF surgery. First, it is a minimally invasive surgery, which is used to treat a degenerated disc that causes pain and discomfort.
Second, it is a surgery that requires the surgeon to make an incision in the abdomen. The purpose is to avoid causing damages to muscles, ligaments, tissues, and nerves that surround the disc in the lumbar spine.
Third, it is essential to know that since Woods underwent three surgeries in the past, Dr. Guyer followed a different approach and made the incision in the front. Besides, it is a surgical method used to treat back problems that are caused by vertebral movements.
Everyone knows that Tiger Woods is an athlete with an active lifestyle. Research studies have proven the benefits of ALIF surgery for people who have an active lifestyle. So, anyone who has pain in the lumbar spine due to movement or motion of the damaged intervertebral disc, he or she must undergo the ALIF procedure to relieve pain.
Benefits of ALIF for Back Pain
ALIF is a type of spine surgery, which is performed at MINT to relieve pain and related symptoms caused by a degenerated disc in the lower back. Depending on your condition and diagnosis, our surgeon will perform the procedure using minimally invasive techniques or instruments.
ALIF is recommended by MINT surgeons to treat certain back problems, which may cause spinal pain or instability. For instance, the procedure is beneficial for those who are suffering from degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis.
Because it is a minimally invasive approach, it has many benefits over open back surgery, such as less pain, less scarring, and faster recovery period. Compared to open back surgery that leads to a lot of wear and tear in the back, a minimally invasive ALIF procedure is all about making a tiny incision in the front to reach the area of concern in the lumbar spine.
Do you have back pain? Are you suffering from spondylolisthesis? Are you looking for ways to treat sciatic leg pain? If yes, you are in the right place. Here at MINT, we have qualified, experienced, and professional surgeons who will give you the best option according to your condition. Lastly, we will continue to post more information on the Tiger Woods injury update in the future. Contact us today!