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# Patients recovering from back surgery can get back to normal life sooner
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/back_surgery_0122110817/
- Published: 2011-01-23T21:15:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:11:45.000Z
- Description: Northwestern researchers reviewed two decades of records on 52 NFL players who had disc surgery: 80% returned, playing a median of 33 games over three years. The lead author says ordinary patients should take it easy for three months but need not fear normal life.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Miscellaneous, Health News, #vivvo-import

Northwestern University scientists say people who have recovered from discs surgery can get back to exercise or outdoor activities sooner, as evidenced by the fact that 80 percent of NFL lineman were able to return to the field after their back surgery.

Discs sit between the bones of the spinal column (vertebrae) in the back and neck, acting as cushions or "shock absorbers" between the bones. Disk-shaped tissue that separates the bones of the spinal column will start to wear out as people age.

Many times after the surgery, people are afraid to go back and live their lives,” said Weistroffer, lead author of the study. “They don’t want to hurt themselves and have another herniation. If a football player can get back to playing football again, you, too, can resume normal life. Just because you had disc surgery doesn’t mean you are going to be broken for life.”

The researchers investigated two decades of public records to determine the career outcomes of 52 NFL players who had had disc surgery during their active careers.

The results showed 80 percent of the players were able to play a median of 33 games during three years after the surgery and over 50 percent of them had excellent performance.

“The numbers show they were able to get back to the extreme and sustained activity of playing football on an NFL level,” Weistroffer said.

Patients need to take it easy for about three months and not lift more than 10 pounds after surgery.

Developing muscle tone in the back and abdomen are also beneficial to the back.

Stephen Lau and Denise Reynolds