Mike Tyson has admitted to suffering from sciatica.
After being photographed in a wheelchair with a walking stick last month, the 56-year-old boxing legend opened up about his health issues. He has admitted that when his rare condition “flares up,” he has difficulty speaking.
“I have sciatica every now and then, it flares up,” he told Newsmax TV. I can’t even talk when it flares up! Thank God, it’s my only health issue.
“I’m splendid now. Everybody in my house is truly blessed and we’re all very grateful for whatever we have.”
Sciatica affects nerve endings in the body, and it appears that the former world champion is dealing with back complications.
It happens when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the feet, becomes compressed or irritated, and while it usually improves in four to six weeks, it can last longer.
Tyson had to retire from boxing in 2005 due to back problems.
He recently stated that he did not believe he had much time left to live.
Speaking on his own podcast, Hotboxin’, he said: “We’re all gonna die one day of course. Then, when I look in the mirror, I see those little spots on my face.
“I say, ‘Wow. That means my expiration date is coming close, really soon.’ ”
Tyson has also claimed he stays in shape by taking magic mushrooms every day and smoking cannabis.
He previously said: “Cannabis is good to workout on for me. I just wish I was smoking back when I was fighting – I really lost out there from an athlete’s perspective.
“But if I’d smoked during my boxing career, I probably wouldn’t have been so aggressive.
“I also like taking mushrooms and smoking before fighting. I take psychedelics every day, mushrooms.”
