Adam Devine’s Health Journey: A Battle with Chronic Pain
Actor and comedian Adam Devine, known for his roles in Pitch Perfect, Workaholics, and The Righteous Gemstones, recently opened up about his health struggles. Despite receiving a dire diagnosis last year, he remains hopeful about his future.
A Painful History
Devine attributes his ongoing chronic pain to a traumatic injury he sustained as a child. At a young age, he was struck by a cement truck, resulting in severe breaks in both legs. This incident, he believes, has left him with long-lasting effects.
Confronting Stiff Person Syndrome
In a recent interview with Graham Bensinger, Devine shared that he experiences debilitating spasms and muscle stiffness, likening it to a “nightmare.”His doctors initially diagnosed him with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), also known as Moersch-Woltman Syndrome. This rare neurological disorder is marked by progressive muscle rigidity and painful spasms, often triggered by external stimuli like sound or touch.
The Reality of Diagnosis
Describing SPS, Devine articulated the very real fear it instilled in him. He explained, “When your muscles get so tight that you can no longer walk or move, your heart muscles also tighten, essentially preventing it from beating. The average life expectancy is about six years.”This perspective is sobering, especially following the public struggles of Celine Dion, who revealed her own battle with SPS in the 2024 documentary I Am: Celine Dion.
A Life-Changing Announcement
The timing of Devine’s diagnosis was particularly challenging; he learned about his condition just a month before welcoming his first child, Beau, in February 2024. He recalled the unsettling thoughts that surfaced, worrying about a future where his son might only remember him as a father struggling with severe health issues: “Oh great, now I’m gonna die. He’s gonna be six years old, and he’s only gonna know a crippled father.”
Seeking Hope and Clarity
Fortunately, Devine sought a second opinion from a leading expert in SPS. This specialist reassured him that he does not have the condition, but rather, he is dealing with the aftereffects of his childhood injury. This revelation brought him a sense of relief amidst the turmoil.
Current Management and Treatment
Devine detailed his current daily routine, which involves managing discomfort. “It hurts to sit too long, stand, or walk. I have to foam roll and stretch multiple times a day,”he explained. Although he underwent hip surgeries in 2024 that did not yield significant improvements, he remains optimistic about a stem cell treatment he received in Medellín, Colombia, stating it has aided his recovery: “I feel the best I’ve been in three years.”
Adapting to Change
Despite his progress, Devine acknowledged that he is not yet back to performing stunts. “I once dreamed of being a comedy-action star, but now I view my role differently. I can be the comedy guy alongside the action star who does all the heavy lifting,”he stated, showcasing a pragmatic outlook on his career adjustments amidst his health challenges.
Devine’s journey underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. His story serves as an inspiration for those grappling with similar health issues or any life-changing challenges they may encounter.