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Texans DE J.J. Watt undergoes back surgery (out for season 9/27)

F¥ck me to tears.
Ok Mr. Dagger... what does this 'really' mean?
Time line? Effectiveness upon return? Etc.
 
He had a herniated disc in 2015. My bet was that this surgery to trim the bulge of the disc, much like what Foster had done. If that's the case, it won't hinder him in 2016, but it also won't remedy the root cause of the disc tear.
 
Guess we will just need to wait for the prognosis from C&D which likely be very grim. He'll tell it like it is, the man don't sugar-coat anything.
 
so until CnD shows up there is this;

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
:Lumbar spine health is vital for D Linemen. Would not be surprised if @JJWatt misses some game time.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
Even if @JJWatt plays week 1, difficult to be 100%.early on. See #DontariPoe @Chiefs, similar situation last year.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
And a difference between return to play & 100%. Even if @JJWatt plays early, may take time to be himself again.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
I don't want to doubt @JJWatt but that is my point. Back surgery harder recovery for DL with their weight & duties.
Paulie D. ‏@pdesantis25
@ProFootballDoc @JJWatt @Chiefs @RapSheet Dontari wasn't really himself till about week 6 or 7...

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
Never doubt @JJWatt but it could take till mid-season to be himself after back surgery.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
Back surgery recovery is not just pain tolerance. Need the core muscles to return 100% to be effective.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
Confirmed to be herniated disc. Surgery recovery is quick but rehab is extended. Unlikely to be 100% until midseason

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10h10 hours ago
Probably smart of @HoustonTexans to do @JJWatt surgery now. Even if he misses some time, better to have him 100% for second half of season.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10h10 hours ago
Key for @JJWatt to only be Active/PUP (training camp) & avoid Reserve/PUP which would mean minimum of 6 games missed

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10h10 hours ago
Usually is either L5-S1 or L4-5 disc which are next to each other low in back, so minimal difference.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10h10 hours ago
Undoubtedly something was a aggravated or new happened.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10m10 minutes ago


LIVE on #Periscope : JJ Watt back surgery

WATCH THE VIDEO OF DR CHAO EXPLAINING THE INJURY:
https://www.periscope.tv/w/1nAKEbwOwqVGL
 
Last edited:
David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
Confirmed to be herniated disc. Surgery recovery is quick but rehab is extended. Unlikely to be 100% until midseason
Click to expand...

Confirmed. Like Doctor Chao says, defensive linemen put more stress on lumbar discs than a runningback, so recovery time is more critical for him that it would be for Foster.

Watt was already going to be less than 100% because of all the abductor and abdominal tears. He was going to have a slow start to 2016 anyway, so it's not like this would be a new setback.
 
Will the Texans go to a 4-3 while JJ is out? Assuming he misses time... Phil Savage thinks it might be a possibility, and it would work better for Clowney
 
Texian said:
so until CnD shows up there is this;

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
:Lumbar spine health is vital for D Linemen. Would not be surprised if @JJWatt misses some game time.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
Even if @JJWatt plays week 1, difficult to be 100%.early on. See #DontariPoe @Chiefs, similar situation last year.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
And a difference between return to play & 100%. Even if @JJWatt plays early, may take time to be himself again.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
I don't want to doubt @JJWatt but that is my point. Back surgery harder recovery for DL with their weight & duties.
Paulie D. ‏@pdesantis25
@ProFootballDoc @JJWatt @Chiefs @RapSheet Dontari wasn't really himself till about week 6 or 7...

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
Never doubt @JJWatt but it could take till mid-season to be himself after back surgery.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
Back surgery recovery is not just pain tolerance. Need the core muscles to return 100% to be effective.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
Confirmed to be herniated disc. Surgery recovery is quick but rehab is extended. Unlikely to be 100% until midseason

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10h10 hours ago
Probably smart of @HoustonTexans to do @JJWatt surgery now. Even if he misses some time, better to have him 100% for second half of season.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10h10 hours ago
Key for @JJWatt to only be Active/PUP (training camp) & avoid Reserve/PUP which would mean minimum of 6 games missed

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10h10 hours ago
Usually is either L5-S1 or L4-5 disc which are next to each other low in back, so minimal difference.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10h10 hours ago
Undoubtedly something was a aggravated or new happened.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10m10 minutes ago


LIVE on #Periscope : JJ Watt back surgery

WATCH THE VIDEO OF DR CHAO EXPLAINING THE INJURY:
https://www.periscope.tv/w/1nAKEbwOwqVGL
Click to expand...
Thank you very much. This is gonna hurt...need Clowney and Merci to turn it on.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G750A using Tapatalk
 
Sonny said:
I'll try to remember this 'ye of little faith' when Clowney goes monster this year and you're sucking down crow.
Click to expand...

You may be right, but as of now, his past history dictates that it will be you feasting on Crow
 
Texian said:
so until CnD shows up there is this;

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
:Lumbar spine health is vital for D Linemen. Would not be surprised if @JJWatt misses some game time.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
Even if @JJWatt plays week 1, difficult to be 100%.early on. See #DontariPoe @Chiefs, similar situation last year.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
And a difference between return to play & 100%. Even if @JJWatt plays early, may take time to be himself again.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
I don't want to doubt @JJWatt but that is my point. Back surgery harder recovery for DL with their weight & duties.
Paulie D. ‏@pdesantis25
@ProFootballDoc @JJWatt @Chiefs @RapSheet Dontari wasn't really himself till about week 6 or 7...

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
Never doubt @JJWatt but it could take till mid-season to be himself after back surgery.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
Back surgery recovery is not just pain tolerance. Need the core muscles to return 100% to be effective.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
Confirmed to be herniated disc. Surgery recovery is quick but rehab is extended. Unlikely to be 100% until midseason

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10h10 hours ago
Probably smart of @HoustonTexans to do @JJWatt surgery now. Even if he misses some time, better to have him 100% for second half of season.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10h10 hours ago
Key for @JJWatt to only be Active/PUP (training camp) & avoid Reserve/PUP which would mean minimum of 6 games missed

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10h10 hours ago
Usually is either L5-S1 or L4-5 disc which are next to each other low in back, so minimal difference.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10h10 hours ago
Undoubtedly something was a aggravated or new happened.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10m10 minutes ago


LIVE on #Periscope : JJ Watt back surgery

WATCH THE VIDEO OF DR CHAO EXPLAINING THE INJURY:
https://www.periscope.tv/w/1nAKEbwOwqVGL
Click to expand...
 
Texian said:
so until CnD shows up there is this;

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
:Lumbar spine health is vital for D Linemen. Would not be surprised if @JJWatt misses some game time.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
Even if @JJWatt plays week 1, difficult to be 100%.early on. See #DontariPoe @Chiefs, similar situation last year.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
And a difference between return to play & 100%. Even if @JJWatt plays early, may take time to be himself again.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
I don't want to doubt @JJWatt but that is my point. Back surgery harder recovery for DL with their weight & duties.
Paulie D. ‏@pdesantis25
@ProFootballDoc @JJWatt @Chiefs @RapSheet Dontari wasn't really himself till about week 6 or 7...

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
Never doubt @JJWatt but it could take till mid-season to be himself after back surgery.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
Back surgery recovery is not just pain tolerance. Need the core muscles to return 100% to be effective.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 11h11 hours ago
Confirmed to be herniated disc. Surgery recovery is quick but rehab is extended. Unlikely to be 100% until midseason

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10h10 hours ago
Probably smart of @HoustonTexans to do @JJWatt surgery now. Even if he misses some time, better to have him 100% for second half of season.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10h10 hours ago
Key for @JJWatt to only be Active/PUP (training camp) & avoid Reserve/PUP which would mean minimum of 6 games missed

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10h10 hours ago
Usually is either L5-S1 or L4-5 disc which are next to each other low in back, so minimal difference.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10h10 hours ago
Undoubtedly something was a aggravated or new happened.

David J. Chao, MD ‏@ProFootballDoc 10m10 minutes ago


LIVE on #Periscope : JJ Watt back surgery

WATCH THE VIDEO OF DR CHAO EXPLAINING THE INJURY:
https://www.periscope.tv/w/1nAKEbwOwqVGL
Click to expand...

The late time for the surgery having been performed was not because of a de novo re-injury sustained in the spring. It was because, the attempt to overcome his back issue through intense rehab alone in order to avoid surgery failed. Going back to the end of October last year, Watt found himself on the Injury Report for a "back." Shortly thereafter, he reportedly sustained a groin injury. When I noted this combination, I detailed that Watt was apparently developing core problems which were not good for any player, but especially for a big man playing the type of position he is assigned. He under the supposed oversight of the coaching and medical staff still continued to play with these significant core issues, continuing to extend the severity of his injuries.........and we all know the results of this ill-advised course.

His surgery was performed on 7/20/16. From what I can gather, he has undergone a microscopic lumbar discectomy. Despite what is being reported (a recovery of 6-8 weeks), I will tell you that he will not be ready for the beginning of the 2016 season. A November 2012 study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine of 78 professional athletes undergoing this procedure, 89.3% returned to sport. The average time it took operative patients to return to their sport (return time) was 5.8 months. Progressive return data for surgically treated patients showed the percentage of athletes who returned increased from 50% at 3 months to 72% at 6 months to 77% at 9 months and 84% at 12 months.

You may remember Shaun Cody (6'4" 302 lbs) who underwent a similar procedure in 2012, I predicted a poor prognosis for return and/or performance level.............where is he now?.........in fact, where was he in 2013? What gives me more angst concerning his long term prognosis is that Watt's case is complicated by his other core issues which required extensive bilateral groin/sports hernia surgeries.

When the subject first came up out of the clear blue about Watt talking about retirement, and then him back tracking that he was only talking about years in the future, I wrote that I was very suspicious concerning why the subject would even come up at this time. I suspected at that time like I do at this time that this was a sign of Watt's own self-reflection that his series of injuries could very well have a significant impact on his career.
 
Last edited:
CloakNNNdagger said:
The late time for the surgery having been performed was not because of a de novo re-injury sustained in the spring. It was because, the attempt to overcome his back issue through intense rehab alone in order to avoid surgery failed. Going back to the end of October last year, Watt found himself on the Injury Report for a "back." Shortly thereafter, he reportedly sustained a groin injury. When I noted this combination, I detailed that Watt was apparently developing core problems which were not good for any player, but especially for a big man playing the type of position he is assigned. He under the supposed oversight of the coaching and medical staff still continued to play with these significant core issues, continuing to extend the severity of his injuries.........and we all know the results of this ill-advised course.

His surgery was performed on 7/20/16. From what I can gather, he has undergone a microscopic lumbar discectomy. Despite what is being reported (a recovery of 6-8 weeks), I will tell you that he will not be ready for the beginning of the 2016 season. A November 2012 study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine of 78 professional athletes undergoing this procedure, 89.3% returned to sport. The average time it took operative patients to return to their sport (return time) was 5.8 months. Progressive return data for surgically treated patients showed the percentage of athletes who returned increased from 50% at 3 months to 72% at 6 months to 77% at 9 months and 84% at 12 months.

You may remember Shaun Cody (6'4" 302 lbs) who underwent a similar procedure in 2012, I predicted a poor prognosis for return and/or performance level.............where is he now.........in fact, where was he in 2013? What gives me more angst is that Watt's case is complicated by his other core issues which required extensive bilateral groin/sports hernia surgeries.

When the subject first came up out of the clear blue about Watt talking about retirement, and then him back tracking that he was only talking about years in the future, I wrote that I was very suspicious concerning why the subject would even come up at this time. I suspected at that time like I do at this time that this was a sign of Watt's own self-reflection that his series of injuries could very well have a significant impact on his career.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your insight, Dr., as always.

It sounds like we might face the real possibility that Watt will not play a lot this season, and maybe not at all. Rushing him back too soon is stupid. I think it would be better for him to fully rehab, even if that means missing a season. I'd rather have a 100% Watt in 2017 than a cobbled Watt in 2016 that could lead to lingering problems in future seasons.
 
Double Barrel said:
Thanks for your insight, Dr., as always.

It sounds like we might face the real possibility that Watt will not play a lot this season, and maybe not at all. Rushing him back too soon is stupid. I think it would be better for him to fully rehab, even if that means missing a season. I'd rather have a 100% Watt in 2017 than a cobbled Watt in 2016 that could lead to lingering problems in future seasons.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, the Texans medical staff has given us little reason to be optimistic in this regard and JJ seems to think of himself as something of a superman
 
Double Barrel said:
Thanks for your insight, Dr., as always.

It sounds like we might face the real possibility that Watt will not play a lot this season, and maybe not at all. Rushing him back too soon is stupid. I think it would be better for him to fully rehab, even if that means missing a season. I'd rather have a 100% Watt in 2017 than a cobbled Watt in 2016 that could lead to lingering problems in future seasons.
Click to expand...
JB said:
Unfortunately, the Texans medical staff has given us little reason to be optimistic in this regard and JJ seems to think of himself as something of a superman
Click to expand...
Thing is, knowing Watt as we do, and as JB alluded to, they may have to chain Watt in the locker room to keep him off the field.
 
JB said:
Will the Texans go to a 4-3 while JJ is out? Assuming he misses time... Phil Savage thinks it might be a possibility, and it would work better for Clowney
Click to expand...

I'd guess that we still keep a 34 base. But we'll certainly have no problem using four man fronts in passing situations with Clowney or Mercilus at DE.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JB
JJ still has something left in the tank, but it won't last forever, and he's already reached his peak. He shouldn't be considered untouchable.
Looking back, instead of going after Oz, I wish the Toros had traded Watt straight up for the #1 pick, and drafted Jared Goff.
 
JB said:
You may be right, but as of now, his past history dictates that it will be you feasting on Crow
Click to expand...

I'd make a small wager with you if either of us c/would ever possibly collect, and while 'history' may be on your side.. you must concede that the kid had everything going against him.. (let's call it..) karma wise.
I'm betting bad luck (wood.. hear me knock) has run the course and he's gonna be clownin kids all year.

Let the beast out the box. (pardon my ebonics)
 
Let's be honest Watt should not play in a game any earier than week 4. Hell I bet our training staff already has him squatting a 1000 pounds, and pulling semi's at the strong man competition though....gotta love those guys and their expertise.

Good to know Watts future is in their hands as if he isn't hard headed enough already :boogereater:
 
CnD questions for you;

At first we were led to believe that JJ's back surgery was done now because of very very recent developments. Spin? As you so aptly pointed out, JJ was on the injury report a couple of times for his back late last year. Question 1 (maybe I didn't fully grasp or understand) are you suggesting that his other "core" injuries (groin and hernia) may be a result from his painful back? And question 2, you pointed out the Texans first decision was a non surgical complete rehab for his back injury. So is the reality of this situation that JJ's back was in same condition in January as it is today and the surgery could've been performed the first of the year?
 
Anyone presuming this defense will start as fast as it ended last season has but to look at our history. We don't do that and never have under Romeo. Players like Covington, McKinney, Wilfork, Mercy, and mostly Clowney will have to step up. The time for waiting on the superstar to shift a game is over. This can be a good thing. Watt likely wont be himself for half the season anyway. If in that time the rest of the defense is forced to perform and be more disciplined it can benefit us later in the year. I don't want the 85 bears defense in it's prime week one only to trail off as the season progresses. I want the 85 bears defense in it's prime clicking on all cylinders when the post season starts.

Im not suggesting watts injury is a good thing. Im suggesting they'll be forced to produce and dominate without him and that can only help when he does return to d mvp production late in the season.

It's not often i wear rose colored glasses and maybe they make me dyslexic. I still expect the offense to be better. I expect special teams to be better. I expect a more seasoned coach to make better decisions. And i expect this defense to hit a new pace come the last quarter of the season / playoffs. It's time to live up to the pub Clowney.
 
Chicago
KC
Patriots
Tennessee
Minnesota
Indianapolis
Denver
Detroit
Bye

I think we can come out of the bye with a winning record.

Just have to trust in the new high powered offense.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
The late time for the surgery having been performed was not because of a de novo re-injury sustained in the spring. It was because, the attempt to overcome his back issue through intense rehab alone in order to avoid surgery failed. Going back to the end of October last year, Watt found himself on the Injury Report for a "back." Shortly thereafter, he reportedly sustained a groin injury. When I noted this combination, I detailed that Watt was apparently developing core problems which were not good for any player, but especially for a big man playing the type of position he is assigned. He under the supposed oversight of the coaching and medical staff still continued to play with these significant core issues, continuing to extend the severity of his injuries.........and we all know the results of this ill-advised course.

His surgery was performed on 7/20/16. From what I can gather, he has undergone a microscopic lumbar discectomy. Despite what is being reported (a recovery of 6-8 weeks), I will tell you that he will not be ready for the beginning of the 2016 season. A November 2012 study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine of 78 professional athletes undergoing this procedure, 89.3% returned to sport. The average time it took operative patients to return to their sport (return time) was 5.8 months. Progressive return data for surgically treated patients showed the percentage of athletes who returned increased from 50% at 3 months to 72% at 6 months to 77% at 9 months and 84% at 12 months.

You may remember Shaun Cody (6'4" 302 lbs) who underwent a similar procedure in 2012, I predicted a poor prognosis for return and/or performance level.............where is he now?.........in fact, where was he in 2013? What gives me more angst concerning his long term prognosis is that Watt's case is complicated by his other core issues which required extensive bilateral groin/sports hernia surgeries.

When the subject first came up out of the clear blue about Watt talking about retirement, and then him back tracking that he was only talking about years in the future, I wrote that I was very suspicious concerning why the subject would even come up at this time. I suspected at that time like I do at this time that this was a sign of Watt's own self-reflection that his series of injuries could very well have a significant impact on his career.
Click to expand...


There needs to be a "Grudgingly accept that what this poster is saying is true and appreciate the insight" button because I so rarely "Like" what you have to say.

I do appreciate that you're here and willing to fill us in on specifics we wouldn't get elsewhere. I like that part.
 
I hope Watt does recover and plays his entire career here. I had hoped A.J. would do the same thing just because I like when players play their whole careers with team and make the HOF but that obviously did not happen with A.J. If the team is not successful with great players over their careers then it is the entire staff's fault I.M.O. Get well and hurry back soon J.J.
 
Hervoyel said:
There needs to be a "Grudgingly accept that what this poster is saying is true and appreciate the insight" button because I so rarely "Like" what you have to say.

I do appreciate that you're here and willing to fill us in on specifics we wouldn't get elsewhere. I like that part.
Click to expand...

Yeah his posts rarely inspire hope in most homers....
 
Texian said:
CnD questions for you;

At first we were led to believe that JJ's back surgery was done now because of very very recent developments. Spin? As you so aptly pointed out, JJ was on the injury report a couple of times for his back late last year.
Click to expand...

Actually, his back issues were evident by the last week of October (week 8)..........not "late" last year.

Question 1 (maybe I didn't fully grasp or understand) are you suggesting that his other "core" injuries (groin and hernia) may be a result from his painful back?
Click to expand...

The vertebrae (back) are balanced by forces applied by back muscles with forces applied by the abdominal muscles...........part of core strength. When either of these groups of muscles are markedly weakened or discoordinated by pain (compensatory), the natural core balance is disrupted and injuries (especially tears) can readily occur.

Pelvis-tilted-back.jpg


Pelvis-tilted-forward.jpg




And question 2, you pointed out the Texans first decision was a non surgical complete rehab for his back injury. So is the reality of this situation that JJ's back was in same condition in January as it is today and the surgery could've been performed the first of the year?
Click to expand...

It is traditional for a conservative route to be taken first to rehab back injuries. Although every case is different, 7 months without seeing resolution of the problem, especially in an elite athlete, certainly seems like an inordinately long period of time before considering this approach a failure. Surgery is not performed for back pains/aches per se, they are done for problems (like discs bulging/ruptured) that significantly impinge on the spinal nerves. Actually, waiting too long can also have its adverse side in that if the nerve is compressed long enough, muscle weakness of the supplied muscle group which it may cause could result in atrophy of the involved muscle groups. We saw just such a problem with Peyton Manning where the affected muscle caused by cervical spinal nerves being impinged took for ever to return to a semblance of normal function (with some residual permanent loss anywaty when it was all said and done).
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
Actually, his back issues were evident by the last week of October (week 8)..........not "late" last year.



The vertebrae (back) are balanced by forces applied by back muscles with forces applied by the abdominal muscles...........part of core strength. When either of these groups of muscles are markedly weakened or discoordinated by pain (compensatory), the natural core balance is disrupted and injuries (especially tears) can readily occur.

Pelvis-tilted-back.jpg


Pelvis-tilted-forward.jpg






It is traditional for a conservative route to be taken first to rehab back injuries. Although every case is different, 7 months without seeing resolution of the problem, especially in an elite athlete, certainly seems like an inordinately long period of time before considering this approach a failure. Surgery is not performed for back pains/aches per se, they are done for problems (like discs bulging/ruptured) that significantly impinge on the spinal nerves. Actually, waiting too long can also have its adverse side in that if the nerve is compressed long enough, muscle weakness of the supplied muscle group which it may cause could result in atrophy of the involved muscle groups. We saw just such a problem with Peyton Manning where the affected muscle caused by cervical spinal nerves being impinged took for ever to return to a semblance of normal function (with some residual permanent loss anywaty when it was all said and done).
Click to expand...

I wonder if activities like this have contributed to the development of his injury:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/houston-texans/0ap2000000330836/Watt-lifts-1-000-pound-tire-during-workout

If you watch the video you'll see a slight rounding of his lower back when he initially lifts the tire- you don't want to lift heavy things this way, and you don't want to do it repeatedly ( I believe he did this 30 times). Repeatedly lifting heavy loads with a rounded lumbar curve will start to tax the posterior aspects of the vertebrae, leading to bulges and herniations. The spine should be in it's normal/neutral curve when lifting heavy weights. For anyone wanting more info on the spine, injuries and proper training for spinal health you should check out Stuart McGill and his site backfitpro.com He's a PhD in biomechanics and all he does is study the spine.

I respect the hell out of Watt's work ethic, and if anyone can return to form, I think he can ( though how long it will take is an issue). I don't understand working with 100 million dollar athletes and doing exercises that place unnecessary risks on their bodies, especially when you consider how taxing football itself is to the body. Im all for training intensely but you have to be smart. One of McGill's saying is tax the muscles, spare the joints. When you watch a 6'6" bend over that far to get his hand under that tire, I can almost guarantee his back is under tremendous load
 
otisbean said:
I wonder if activities like this have contributed to the development of his injury:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/houston-texans/0ap2000000330836/Watt-lifts-1-000-pound-tire-during-workout

If you watch the video you'll see a slight rounding of his lower back when he initially lifts the tire- you don't want to lift heavy things this way, and you don't want to do it repeatedly ( I believe he did this 30 times). Repeatedly lifting heavy loads with a rounded lumbar curve will start to tax the posterior aspects of the vertebrae, leading to bulges and herniations. The spine should be in it's normal/neutral curve when lifting heavy weights. For anyone wanting more info on the spine, injuries and proper training for spinal health you should check out Stuart McGill and his site backfitpro.com He's a PhD in biomechanics and all he does is study the spine.

I respect the hell out of Watt's work ethic, and if anyone can return to form, I think he can ( though how long it will take is an issue). I don't understand working with 100 million dollar athletes and doing exercises that place unnecessary risks on their bodies, especially when you consider how taxing football itself is to the body. Im all for training intensely but you have to be smart. One of McGill's saying is tax the muscles, spare the joints. When you watch a 6'6" bend over that far to get his hand under that tire, I can almost guarantee his back is under tremendous load
Click to expand...

Totally agree..............especially with your statement "I don't understand working with 100 million dollar athletes and doing exercises that place unnecessary risks on their bodies, especially when you consider how taxing football itself is to the body." You've got to begin wondering where the training and medical staff is. I've spoken to this in the past re. both Watt's and Cushing's ridiculous exercise regimens. They serve strictly as unnecessary "showboating." And those box jumps are especially therapeutic for a bad back, right?


Posted on HT.com: Apr 2, 2016
Watt updates injury with box jump video
J.J. Watt added this video with the description "Post-surgery progress." to his Twitter account @JJWatt Saturday morning.

:toropalm:
 
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Where are the team doctors to tell him that box jumps and tire flipping don't speed up recovery?!

CND, can you let the Texans medical staff know this groundbreaking discovery that box jumps don't help you recover from back surgery?!
 
I mean JJ Watt is a grown man who has really had no issues health wise until recently. He has been as good as he has been in part to his work outs, same with Cushing. That dude has tore 2 ACLs and now look at him, considering a lot of people said he was done after the 2nd.

On that note I will leave it up to JJ to trust his own body and do what's best for it. I mean the guy hasn't done to bad thus far.....
 
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When JJ is ready to come back he will be back 1,000% intill then next man up we will be fine with Clowney and Merclius coming off the edge
 
EllisUnit said:
I mean JJ Watt is a grown man who has really had no issues health wise until recently. He has been as good as he has been in part to his work outs, same with Cushing. That dude has tore 2 ACLs and now look at him, considering a lot of people said he was done after the 2nd.

On that note I will leave it up to JJ to trust his own body and do what's best for it. I mean the guy hasn't done to bad thus far.....
Click to expand...

JJ and Cush are definitely beasts and their work ethic is undoubtedly a large part of what makes them successful. However, in the tire flipping video, when you watch JJ's low back you can see it rounds at the beginning of the movement. Effectively he is loosing proper spinal position, whats worse it's under a very heavy load and he does it repeatedly. Over time when lumbar discs are constantly loaded in an improper manner eventually they'll bulge or tear. Dr McGill talks about this in one of his books, people who chronically load the spine in an improper manner eventually have an injury and it's often doing some mundane task such as bending over to pick up a bag of groceries out of the trunk.

Being a strength coach, I respect guys that bust their ass like Cush and Watt. I just wish the people training them would pay attention to the way their athletes work out. Elite sports are tough on your body, there's no way around that. Athletes that train at a very high level put tremendous stress on their bodies. However, you can still train like an animal and do it in ways that are safer to the body by focusing on proper body positions and mechanics

A quick box jump story, a girl I used to train broke her arm doing box jumps during freshman HS season. Her VB coach thought that repeated box jumps would be a good conditioning drill for the team. My girl fell once and her coach told her to be more careful. When she fell the second time, she broke her wrist and couldn't play that season. I remember JJ falling off a box last year, luckily he didn't get injured in a similar manner.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2400922-jj-watt-fails-61-inch-box-jump-squashes-his-poor-squatter
 
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It is hard for anyone, coaches, trainers and doctors included not to fall under the spell of "super heroes" and speaking of Watt it is probably even more so as he seems to be perfect package of amazing athlete & all around nice guy that gives back to community; face of the team.

Interesting to me is Watt and Duane Brown exhibited evidence that 2016 season could be a no show for games up to losing entire season. Off season did not seem to address the possibility with signing of much other than UDFAs that might not even make team. Devon Still (whom I like), Heath and Kamalu are interesting but even a double headed coin might not win the flip for odds any of the three can start. Pagan needs to blow up and I have heard little if anything about improvements being noted. He is on my bubble list to be on roster. As of now, I put Covington in Watt's place and either Still or Dunn opposite. Moves last two off seasons were to fix the defense against the run.

Possibilities to plug left tackle if DB not ready is...drum roll..Chris Clarke backed by Adams (injured since 2013), Kendall Lamb and maybe (:drunk:) Bergstrom who IMO should never line up to left of center and probably not center.

What were/are coaches thinking? Ride the horses (Watt and Brown) into ground injured or not seems to be the thinking but I see no safety net sitting on the bench.

A realist must look at contracts and Brown (if necessary) can be cut with dead $ of only 2.5 million and a cap savings of $ 7 m. Watt is different with huge dead $ hits 2016 & 2017. We need to hope both guys can earn their dollars this season and also 2017 for JJ. I don't feel very optimistic that either player plays any later at high NFL level. I hope I am wrong.
 
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