“Will my surgery end my career?”
I'm in college football, D1, and it's really the time to start thinking about my future career. I've sat out this whole entire season because of my back, and I need to have surgery for it. I'm devastated, I'm so scared that this surgery will end any chance of being in the NFL. Should I be concerned?
12 Answers
No, lots of pro football players have had back and neck surgery.
You should be concerned. If at all possible make sure that you have exhausted all forms of conservative treatment including physical therapy, chiropractic, and acupuncture as well as epidural injections.. If the pain remains severe despite these measures then surgery may be her only option. You should definitely get a second opinion. But you have to understand that there is a high chance that it will eventually end your career. I have treated several NFL players would did return to football on a professional level after spinal surgery but they usually did not last very long.
Yes. Do not have any surgery until you have seen the best orthopedic spine surgeon.
Has the doctor told you what surgery you need? Have you asked your doctor if he/she thinks you will be able to play at the next level after surgery? Whether you will be able to return to football at the most elite level will really depend on what your condition is and what surgery you need. There are many D1 players and NFL players who have had back surgery. The other thing to consider is whether you can get back to playing without surgery. If you sat out the whole season doing therapy and other conservative treatments and you are still unable to play, surgery may be your only chance to return to the field.
Stay positive. Talk to your surgeon - I bet he has had the same conversation before.
Best wishes,
Kendall E. Carll, MD
Stay positive. Talk to your surgeon - I bet he has had the same conversation before.
Best wishes,
Kendall E. Carll, MD
Yes, you should be concerned, depending on what surgery is being done. Some positions in football can be more problematic than others.
Not necessarily. Depends on the procedure. Also depends on the surgery. With the right surgery and the right surgeon you could have a very successful NFL career.
Hooman M. Melamed, MD FAAOS
Hooman M. Melamed, MD FAAOS
This is a challenging question. It really depends on the surgery you need and the condition you have to determine your chances of playing in the NFL. There are several NFL players that have had spine surgery and still played at the NFL level. Peyton Manning and Rob Gronkowski come to mind.
If your symptoms have not improved with rest for a full season and surgery is needed, that is likely your best option to allow you to play at the next level. Of course, it also depends on what the injury is and what surgery is needed. Many athletes have recovered from back surgery to perform at the professional level.
First, I'm sorry to hear about your back. Without knowing the particulars of your case, it would be difficult for me to answer your question. However, if the surgery is successful and you rehab properly, you could get back to playing. Whatever you do, don't rush it. Back surgery takes a long time to heal, but if you rush it, you may screw it up even more.
Best of luck!
Dr. Bose
Best of luck!
Dr. Bose
Not necessarily. It really depends upon what your condition is and what type of surgery you require. There are plenty of examples where high level athletes, as well as football players have been able to return to their game. Just to name a few, Payton Manning, Tiger Woods, and a defensive back from MSU named Amp Champbell. He went on to become an All-American. So, it just depends upon your position and what surgery you will undergo. All the best to you and keep your head up!
It really depends on what the surgery is. In now-minor surgeries like a herniated disc, players can often return to play. In more extensive procedures, return to play could be less likely.
I understand your concern and anxiety about having surgery and what may happen afterwards. I hear these same questions every day from my own patients. The more important questions to consider are: have you improved or recovered to the point that you can play at an NFL level with non-surgical treatment? Can you play at an NFL level with your back in its current condition? If the answers to these questions are “no,” then you have made the right decision to have surgery. In the end, it sounds as though you would not have been able to play without surgery. Therefore, surgery will not “end your career.” On the contrary, you are giving yourself an opportunity to heal and recover so that you can play. Make sure you understand your surgeon’s plan for your operation and you follow your surgeon’s plan for your post-operative rehab.
Good luck and work hard!
Good luck and work hard!
