Steve Kerr urges people to opt for rehab over back surgery

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has been dealing with off-and-on painful symptoms since he underwent back surgery in July 2015, and he is urging anyone with back issues to avoid making the same mistake he made.

Kerr spoke to reporters on Sunday to update his condition, and he did not rule out missing the remainder of the postseason. He also said he would encourage anyone who suffers a back injury to never go under the knife.

“I can tell you if you’re listening out there, stay away from back surgery,” Kerr said. “Rehab, rehab, rehab. Don’t let anyone get in there.”

Kerr didn’t discuss his specific symptoms, but he did speak with reporters for several minutes. Here’s more of what he had to say:

Steve Kerr updates his health status, says symptoms have worsened, he will not coach tomorrow and status unknown beyond pic.twitter.com/qtQRAYYHvq

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 23, 2017

While Kerr is not revealing much about his actual condition, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne wrote a feature story last year that explained some of the health issues he is dealing with. The surgery Kerr underwent roughly two years ago created a fluid leak in his spine, and that has resulted in symptoms like migraines and nausea.

You could tell by the comments Stephen Curry made after Golden State’s 119-113 comeback over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday that Kerr is struggling. Here’s hoping he feels better in the near future.