(Ep035) Ben Simmons’s Back Surgery (microdiscectomy) with Dr. Dan Kharrazi

Brooklyn Nets fans hoped to see recently acquired stopper Ben Simmons provide a similar level of defense in their series against the Boston Celtics. Not only was he unable to play, but Simmons also needed microdiscetomy surgery to treat a herniated disc. 

We brought back former Lakers team physician and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Dan Kharrazi. 

On this episode, Dr. Kharrazi shared: 

• Why Simmons needed surgery and what it involved

• The return to play timeline and prognosis for a microdiscectomy back surgery

• How the mileage on young pro players can change their disc structure

• What role core strengthening and proper mechanics can play in reducing Simmons’ risk of reinjury

• The answer to the question of why Ben Simmons didn’t have the surgery during his recent season off from playing

• Comparison to other NBA players such as Dwight Howard who have had this back surgery

• If it is concerning that such a young player is having a back surgery and if this is an indicator that he could have back problems throughout his career

• If it’s true that having a microdiscectomy or other back surgery means that the patient won’t have back pain furthermore

• How herniations can worsen in severity and the medical classification system that surgeons use to quantify severity 

Learn more about Dr. Kharrazi HERE. For more insights from Dr. Kharrazi, check out his Basketball Strong episode on Joel Embiid’s facial and thumb injuries, and listen in on more injury updates throughout the Playoffs.