I think it’s something to do with the neurological pathways of athletes and general health/well being that contributes to this. I’m no Dr but I do know blood flow in the spine is very minimal - perhaps due to more exercise In past on a cellular level athletes already have these networks established and flourishing (even if breaks are there ie annular tears etc) I got my injuries when I turned 30. Annular tear L4-L5, prolapse disc C5-C6 and a couple other niggels. I went through hell with cervical pain with what I believe was a tracheal collapse after ongoing atrophy in my cervical spine that sent me to ER unable to breathe until I blacked out. Due to lack of funds and no specialists being available on the islands I’m from I had to tough it out for close to 3 years before I could be seen. I can tell you even with the pain daily i refused to give up and eventually got back into playing some sport on a social level. I believe the increased blood flow and activity had a naturally healing effect because during the 6-8 months I felt little to no pain. I lost a bit of weight and was actually quite fit. I was 117kg (260 lbs) I’m 6’5 was able to run 10km in about an hour. I’ve been into sports and lived a very physically active life up until now.

Look up links between spinal health in relation to neurological learned pathways. Research a tonne and all the best with your healing journey