Two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner has revealed he underwent major spinal surgery earlier this year after living with chronic back pain for more than two decades.
The Australian shared that he is now three months into his recovery following an L5-S1 spinal fusion and L4-5 disc replacement, a procedure that has significantly improved his quality of life.
Stoner explained that the injury dated back to a crash during the 2003 125cc World Championship season, when he slammed head first into hay bales. The impact compressed his spine, but he continued racing and managed the condition for over 20 years.
However, the pain gradually worsened and became particularly severe over the past two years. He said the final six months before the operation were unbearable, leaving surgery as the only realistic solution.
Although recovery has not been straightforward, Stoner said the results have exceeded his expectations.
"My back hasn't felt this good for as long as I can remember," he said.
He added that the experience made him realise he had been living with constant pain, even during periods when he believed his back was feeling "good".
"It's only now that I've experienced what having no back pain actually feels like," he said.
The 40-year-old thanked his surgeon and medical team for helping restore his quality of life after years of discomfort.
Stoner won the MotoGP world championship with Ducati in 2007 before claiming a second title with Honda in 2011. Widely regarded as one of the sport's greatest riders, he retired from full-time racing at the end of the 2012 season at just 27 years old.
In recent years, Stoner has spoken openly about several health challenges, including chronic fatigue syndrome and anxiety during his racing career. His latest revelation sheds light on another long-term battle that remained largely hidden throughout much of his time on the MotoGP grid.
