While it’s been reported that Juan Pablo Angel’s hamstring has been the source of the problem in the last couple of weeks, Big Apple Soccer has a different outlook.

After an MRI revealed the results, Head Athletic Trainer Rick Guter has confirmed that Angel suffers from Spondylosis, a degeneration of the  vertebrae that pinches the nerves and results in the feeling of numbness in the legs (hamstrings, calf and shin).

Angel isn’t the only player afflicted with this diagnosis.  Eddie Pope, NBA/Soccer star Steve Nash and even myself all have the same issue.

Everyday my back tightens up after walking for 20 minutes and then my right hamstring and shin start to get that numbness feeling (You know, like when you wake up and your arm is asleep), and if I do go out and play I can’t even stand up straight the next morning after I get out of bad.

While it may be different for Angel, I was told that the Spondylosis will never be cured and the only way to stay ahead of it would be to go and get my back adjusted, while strengthening my core like no other.

Damn Turf Monster once again.  I’d love to see a legitimate study done on all these kids that are playing day in and day out on Turf and see what the real results are down the line.

The game should never be played on this stuff.

image via Tribuna