Tiger Woods has announced that he has undergone successful back surgery, his fourth operation on the back, in an attempt to alleviate ongoing pain in his back and leg. The 41-year-old confirmed the procedure on his official website, expressing optimism that it will relieve the spasms and discomfort he has endured for some time.
The surgery involved removing a damaged disc and re-elevating a collapsed disc space to normal levels. According to a statement, previous herniations and three operations had severely narrowed the bottom lower-back disc, causing sciatica and severe pain. Conservative treatments, including rehabilitation, medication, and injections, had failed to provide a permanent solution.
Woods, who has not competed since withdrawing from the Dubai Desert Classic in early February, said he looks forward to returning to a normal life once healed. "The surgery went well, and I’m optimistic this will relieve my back spasms and pain," he stated. "When healed, I look forward to getting back to a normal life, playing with my kids, competing in professional golf and living without the pain I have been battling so long."
Dr Richard Guyer, who performed the operation, said Woods would rest for several weeks before beginning therapy. Patients typically return to full activity in around six months, after which rehabilitation will be geared towards allowing him to return to competitive golf. Woods had attempted to be ready for the Masters at Augusta National this month but conceded that his rehabilitation did not allow enough time to become "tournament ready".
The former world No.1 had returned to the PGA Tour in January after a 17-month absence following his third back surgery. However, he missed the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open and shot an opening-round 77 in Dubai before withdrawing. The latest surgery marks another step in his bid to resume his professional career.
