Adele revealed that she suffers from a debilitating back condition that will affect four out of ten Americans in their lifetime.
The 34-year-old was filmed stumbling across the stage during a New Year’s Eve concert in Las Vegas, telling fans: “I’m shaky these days because I have bad sciatica.”
The injury is usually the result of a herniated disc pressing on the nerve that runs from the lower back to the foot. It can cause shooting pains and cramps, and be so severe that a person cannot walk.
Adele has been plagued with back problems for half her life after suffering two fractures – one when she was 15 and the second two years ago.
The image above shows the nerve root (blue line) and where it connects to the spinal cord. In sciatica, the nerve is compressed. It can be caused by a herniated or herniated disc (pictured right) or by other factors, including a blood clot and arthritis. The compression causes pain anywhere in the nerve, possibly even in the foot or lower back. Those affected may be in so much pain that they cannot move. You may also feel a “knife-like” pain over the affected leg. There is a sciatic nerve that runs through the left and right legs, but only one is usually affected in sciatica
Adele was filmed stumbling across the stage during a New Year’s Eve concert at Caesar’s Palace Stadium, the Coliseum, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is pictured above performing at the same stadium in November last year.
The breakup when she was 15 happened after the star “sneezed” in bed, she revealed.
The second slipped in January 2021 after her then eight-year-old son Angelo jumped out to startle her as she came out of the bathroom.
Adele also has an extra bone in her spine. Most people have five bones in the lower part of their back – called the lumbar vertebrae – but Adele has six.
Mike Tyson, 56, shares a secret battle with sciatica that left him unable to walk or talk
The former boxer, 56, recently revealed that he suffers from the neurological condition sciatica, which leaves him confined to a wheelchair at times and at worst “unable to even speak”.
The nerve is connected to the spinal cord and has two functions: it helps move the muscles in the legs and feet, and it gives people sensation in their legs.
Sciatica is nerve pain caused by injury or irritation of the nerve that originates in the buttocks.
Doctors say patients may feel a sharp, “knife-like” pain over the affected leg, or a sensation of severe leg cramps.
It does this by putting pressure on the nerve, causing it to send pain signals to the brain.
It can last for weeks and in some cases is so severe that the patient can no longer move.
It can also lead to leg weakness and incontinence.
Even after someone recovers from the acute injury, it can flare up again in response to sitting too much, wearing uncomfortable shoes, or even sleeping in the wrong position.
Experts from Harvard Medical School say that about 40 percent of Americans will experience sciatica at least once in their lives.
They are most common in people between the ages of 30 and 50 and in people who already have acute or chronic back pain.
But those who are overweight, smoke or don’t get enough exercise are also at greater risk. Lifting heavy weights at the gym also carries a higher risk.
Doctors at Johns Hopkins University say that sciatica is usually caused by a herniated or herniated disc in the spine.
Between the bones, or vertebrae, in the spine are rubbery cushions with soft, jelly-like centers called intervertebral discs.
When this slips or bulges, the jelly-like center of the disc breaks through the lining and presses against other bones and nerves.
Other causes of sciatica include obesity, poor posture, blood clots, arthritis and some nerve disorders. Doctors say that sometimes the cause cannot be determined.
Adele told British music magazine The Face in 2021: “I’ve actually had back pain for half my life.
“It flares up, usually from stress or a silly attitude.
“But where I made my abs strong underneath, which I never had before, my back doesn’t play along.”
Doctors say about one in ten people have an extra bone in their spine which can be caused by a genetic abnormality or spinal failure after birth.
It is often harmless and most people spend their entire lives not realizing it is there. However, in some cases it can cause serious back problems.
Doctors treat sciatica by focusing on relieving pain symptoms for patients.
This includes telling patients to take pain relievers such as ibuprofen or an injection of steroids around the root of the nerve causing the pain.
Doctors may also recommend physical therapy and weight loss to relieve symptoms.
Surgery is also an option to remove the bone or disc pressing on the nerve, but this is only done if the patient has muscle weakness or loss of bowel and bladder control.
Cases of sciatica often resolve within a few weeks.
But those with a deeper underlying cause — such as a bony overgrowth — need regular treatment.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
