This leak in the CSF caused the pressure in his brain and spine to decrease, resulting in severe headaches, nausea, and constant fatigue. 2 months later, Kerr underwent another surgery to repair the dura.

However, as he confirmed with his recent leave of absence, he has still been suffering through similar symptoms.

When addressing his leave with the media, Kerr said: "I can tell you if you are listening out there: If you have back problems, stay away from surgery," he said. "I can say that from the bottom of my heart. Rehab, rehab, rehab."

He is not medically trained but in general, I’d agree. The research continues to mount in favor of conservative therapy being as effective as surgery for many low back conditions, especially in the case of physical therapy for lumbar (low back) stenosis, aka narrowing of the spinal canal.

That being said, there are still low back conditions that are immediately indicated for surgery. Changes in bowel/bladder control (also known as “central cord symptoms) or severe muscular weakness (“severe neurogenic symptoms”) very often indicate a need for immediate surgery.

Whether he should or shouldn’t have gotten surgery is a beyond the scope of this piece. What we do know is that his trials and tribulations have now created a significantly complicating factor for his recovery: chronic pain.

The Complicated Reality of Chronic Pain

To attempt to understand chronic pain and the challenge of treating individuals with chronic pain, you have to accept the following:

For individuals suffering from chronic pain, pain is not just tied to the actual injury. It becomes tied to multiple inputs. Therefore, healing of the injury itself will not result in the elimination of pain or symptoms.

Chronic pain is a constantly reinforcing cycle that is tied to many spheres of that person’s life. This diagram is a simplified but valuable representation: