Question
hello , My name is Hope Siawor and i am from Ghana, Africa. i went to have a myelogram and was diagnose to have a disc prolapse. of course i use to feel pains in my lower back and went for the test. i was told that i needed immediate surgery. i am only 24 and i want to know the real dangers involve. can i ever play soccer again? please help me.

Answer
Although I am not a physician or neurosurgeon, I can tell you that there is no such thing as minor surgery, especially on your spine.  There are dangers of partial paralysis, increased pain, and possible lack of sensation in your lower back and legs.  

If you were told that immediate surgery is necessary, I would get a second opinion before going ahead.  However, you can be risking further damage by waiting, depending on how severe the injury is already.

Your ability to play soccer again will depend on how well the surgery goes and how well you do in rehabilitation after the surgery.  If all goes well, soccer should be no problem.

Thank you for your question, Hope.  I hope that my answer was helpful.