Not easy to get back: The struggle for athletes returning from disc injuries

For most people, Tiger Woods withdrawing from yet another tournament this past week may seem like just another frustrating disappointment for Woods post-scandal. But let’s not generalize the situation, and give due weight to that important detail in why the former world No. 1 withdrew: back spasms.

I speak as someone who is now dealing with two herniated discs, and knows the pain, not just physical, but psychological as well, which Woods and so many other elite, world-class athletes go through in regards to disc or nerve injuries.

I’ve certainly improved since the onset of my injury, over seven months ago, but the road which brought me to where I am today was a lot more taxing, and…