Dwight Howard to have season ending back surgery.

[thestackshow]

Done for season, playoffs, and olympics. Saw it on the TNT halftime show, big blow to teams who wanted howard, and an even bigger blow to the Magic.

[letsgoblue86]

That's a huuuge blow to the Magic, pretty much guarantees a first round exit.  It would be so, so nice to get them in the first round.

[thestackshow]

That's a huuuge blow to the Magic, pretty much guarantees a first round exit.  It would be so, so nice to get them in the first round.

If Orlando somehow gets inspired and wins more games they can get into the 5th spot and we might face them, if so thats an easy sweep for us as we will have the best 6 players in the series lol.

[Who]

Pity ... I think it would have been good for both Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic organization to go into the playoffs fully strength and lose in the first round so everyone in that organization is clear about how much work needs to be done to put that team back on the right track.

[LarBrd33]

still say he's getting dumped between June 28th and July 11th.  That punk has played his last game for the Magic. 

[317]

still say he's getting dumped between June 28th and July 11th.  That punk has played his last game for the Magic. 

this crippled his trade value, much better for the Magic to wait until he shows he can play next season and move him near the deadline.

[LarBrd33]

[LooseCannon]

Assuming the Celtics don't face the Magic in the first round, I am rooting for Orlando to put on a miraculous first-round performance that Stan Van Gundy gets huge credit for.

[hpantazo]

Orlando in the playoffs without Dwight Howard has to be Glen Davis' dream come true. Let's see what ya got BBD!

[CelticSooner]

Pretty much gives Indy a free ride to the second round. You never know, maybe they can knock off the Bulls if Rose isn't fully healthy.

[albas89]

So we beat Atlanta tomorrow, the Hawks lose all their remaining games (which is possible if you see their opponenents) and the Magic somehow win 1 game and get into the 5th spot...

C'mon C's, BEAT THE HAWKS!!

[Eddie20]

I'm wondering if this could be a chronic thing with Dwight. When it comes to basketball players, back and knees are the most concerning.

Mayoclinic.com

Back surgery is needed in only a small percentage of cases. Most back problems can be taken care of with nonsurgical treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medication, ice, heat, gentle massage and physical therapy. When conservative treatments don't help, back surgery may offer relief. But it doesn't help every type of back pain.

Do you need back surgery?

Back surgery might be needed:

If you have a condition that compresses your spinal nerves, causing debilitating back pain or numbness along the back of your leg.
In some instances when you have bulging or ruptured (herniated) disks — the rubbery cushions separating the bones in your spine. However, many people with bulging disks have no pain.
If you have broken bones (fractured vertebrae) or other damage to your spinal column from an injury that leaves your spine unstable.
If you have vertebral fractures and an unstable spine related to osteoporosis.
If you've first tried conservative measures and they fail to relieve your back pain or other symptoms.
Bone deformities and other conditions
The following conditions may require surgery if they're progressive, painful or causing nerve compression:

Scoliosis, a curvature of the spine
Kyphosis, a humpback deformity
Spondylolisthesis, the forward slippage of a segment of the spine
Spinal stenosis, narrowing of the spinal canal typically from arthritis
Radiculopathy, the irritation and inflammation of a nerve caused by a herniated disk
Degenerative disk disease, the development of pain in a disk as a result of its normal wear and tear.

WebMD


Most people who have a herniated disc do not need surgery because their symptoms tend to improve over time. About 50% of people with a herniated disc in the low back recover within 1 month. And within 6 months, 96% recover. Only 10% of people with herniated disc problems that cause noticeable symptoms eventually have surgery.

When surgery is used to treat a herniated disc, it is done to decrease pain and allow for more normal movement and function. It is considered if the following conditions are present:

    * You have a history of persistent leg pain that has not improved with at least 4 weeks of nonsurgical treatment, as well as weakness and limitation of daily activities.
    * Results of a physical exam find that you currently have weakness, loss of motion, or abnormal sensitivity.
    * Diagnostic testing, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or myelogram, indicates that you have a herniated disc that can be treated surgically.

[GreenFaith1819]

Get well, Dwight.

[OmarSekou]

I knew the Magic were eventually going to implode but I never imagined it would be so glorious.

I'm also loving to see Howard ruining his value, it makes me think we could pick him up after next year dirt cheap. And I know everyone is questioning his character, but I bet he'd be so happy to play for someone like Doc and shed his negative image that he'd be a model citizen.

SVG is going to win the media sympathy battle, but I wonder how many guys are going to want to play for him in the future. Fingers crossed that he's as good an announcer as his brother.

Only person I feel for, Jameer Nelson.

[pearljammer10]

Wow. Unbelievable.