The study involved 53 NFL players who had surgery for a herniated disc in the cervical spine between 1979 and 2013. Of the players, 15 had upper-level cervical disc herniation and 25 experienced lower-level injuries.
Forty-five percent of patients were defensive backs and linebackers.
Spine published the study.
Here are six study highlights:
1. The study found 67 percent of players with upper-level CDH returned to playing football following surgery and rehabilitation.
2. Seventy-two percent of those players with lower-level injures returned to play following surgery and rehabilitation.
3. Recovery time averaged nine months for all players.
4. The researchers found, on average, players continued playing in the NFL for approximately 44 games and three years post-surgery.
5. The study also revealed the players’ performance scores, based on NFL game statistics, didn’t change significantly between those players with upper-level CDH and those with lower-level injuries.
6. The researchers concluded “most NFL players who undergo cervical spinal surgeries for CDH are able to resume their careers.” Additionally, no significant variances exist between players with upper-level versus lower-level cervical spine injures, in terms of return to play and performance level.
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