Lance Storm suffers three herniated disks
Jul. 21, 2006

Lance Storm was sent to Birmingham, Ala., directly after Wargames two nights ago, but not to visit PWF Headquarters. After a ruthless Batista Bomb to close the program on Wednesday night, Storm's injuries seemed dire enough for a trip to the Alabama Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center (where well-known orthopedic surgeon Dr. James R. Andrews practices). Dr. Hamilton Hill -- one of the most renowned back surgeons in the world -- agreed to fly into Birmingham for a complete diagnosis and to perform the surgery if necessary.

It was discovered that Storm suffered three herniated disks in his lower back from the attack by Batista -- at the direction of Chris Jericho -- on Wednesday evening. A quick recovery is unfortunately not looking like it will be an option at this time.

Storm was said to have wanted to work through this injury, which should come as little surprise to anyone that knows him. Dr. Hill advised against this, saying the injury was more severe than the Canadian Superman believes and a laminectomy was done this morning.

A laminectomy is a procedure that removes a small part of bone from the back of the vertebra (this part is called the lamina). After the piece of bone is detached, the ruptured part of the disk that is pressing on the nearby nerves can be safely removed. This should ease the strain and lessen the pain being caused by the disks.

Post-operatively, the individual patient's mobilization (return to normal activity) is largely dependent on his/her physical condition and age. Directly following the procedure, patients are encouraged to walk. However, it is recommended that patients avoid excessive bending, lifting, or twisting for six weeks in order to avoid pulling on the suture line before it heals.

"If it were just one disk, Lance may have only been projected to be out for around a month," Dr. Hill informed ThePWF.com right after the surgery. "But these were three individual cushions bulging out of place, so the injury is far more severe." An optimist would say Lance Storm could be back before the end of the year. A pessimist could say that he may not be back for a long time, if at all. But Storm's rehab efforts and workout regimen will determine how long he'll really be out of action. "He's a strong, healthy, tough man, so I have faith that he's going to do what he can to return as quickly as possible," added Dr. Hill.

As a result of the injury, Storm's scheduled Hell in a Cell match with Chris Jericho has been cancelled for La Mala Sombra. In its place, however, will be the first-ever edition of what Jericho refers to as the "Highlight Reel." Jericho was rather insistent that we make that known in this article.

The Professional Wrestling Federation wishes Lance Storm a speedy recovery, and anxiously awaits a dominant return from everyone's favorite Canadian Superman.