Prain/3387

Laminectomy + discectomy at 21: from a popped disc to a 40-inch vertical

Anonymous from Reddit, 24, D-II basketball player, herniated at 21 source

THENFelt the disc pop during sprints. A year of injections and rehab with zero relief, body slanted from compensating.
NOWThree years post-op: back feels great, 40-inch vertical recovered, playing was possible 5 months after surgery.
Confidence 2 → 9Pain 8 → 1
RECOVERY TIMELINE, 48 MONTHS
M0: DISC POPS DURING SPRINTS
M11: 4 INJECTIONS, ZERO RELIEF
M12: LAMINECTOMY + DISCECTOMY
M17: FIRST GAME, 5 MO POST-OP
M24: 40-INCH VERTICAL RETURNS
Spinal injections ×4
Core + glute stabilization
Walking only
Athletic-trainer rehab
Stay-active discipline
M1M3M5M7M9M11M13M15M17M19M21M23M25M27M29M31M33M35M37M39M41M43M45M47
MO 1
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One person’s structured self-report, not medical advice, not a prediction of your outcome. n=1. If you have progressive numbness or weakness, changes in bladder or bowel control, or saddle numbness, see a clinician before loading anything.

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