Mike Tyson in a Wheelchair: “When It Flares Up, I Can’t Even Talk!”

(Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images)

The former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has been known to knock people out in the first round with just one punch. He was a fierce competitor that commanded attention whenever he stepped into the boxing ring. However, in the recent past, 56-year-old Tyson took his fans by storm as he was escorted out of the Miami International Airport in a wheelchair.

He has also been seen walking with the aid of a wooden stick. So it leaves many to wonder how the man known as “Iron Mike” could be so frail. Well, it was revealed that Mike Tyson was suffering from sciatica.

In an interview with Newsmax TV Iron Mike said sciatica is the only health issue he suffers with, and spoke about how it impairs him when there is a flare up.

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He said: “I have sciatica and every now and then, it flares up. When it flares up, I can’t even talk! Thank God it’s the only health problem I have.”

Sciatica is nerve pain from an injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve, which originates in your buttock/gluteal area. The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest (almost finger-width) nerve in the body. It’s actually made up of five nerve roots: two from the lower back region called the lumbar spine and three from the final section of the spine called the sacrum. The five nerve roots come together to form a right and left sciatic nerve. On each side of your body, one sciatic nerve runs through your hips, buttocks and down a leg, ending just below the knee. The sciatic nerve then branches into other nerves, which continue down your leg and into your foot and toes.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, if you have “sciatica,” you experience mild to severe pain anywhere along the path of the sciatic nerve – that is, anywhere from the lower back, through the hips, buttocks and/or down your legs. It can also cause muscle weakness in your leg and foot, numbness in your leg, and an unpleasant tingling pins-and-needles sensation in your leg, foot and toes.

You are at greater risk of sciatica if you:

• Have an injury/previous injury: An injury to your lower back or spine puts you at greater risk for sciatica.
• Are overweight: Your spine is like a vertical crane. Your muscles are the counterweights. The weight you carry in the front of your body is what your spine (crane) has to lift. The more weight you have, the more your back muscles (counterweights) have to work. This can lead to back strains, pains and other back issues.
• Lack a strong core: Your “core” are the muscles of your back and abdomen. The stronger your core, the more support you’ll have for your lower back. Unlike your chest area, where your rib cage provides support, the only support for your lower back is your muscles.
• Have an active, physical job: Jobs that require heavy lifting may increase your risk of low back problems and use of your back, or jobs with prolonged sitting may increase your risk of low back problems.
• Lack proper posture in the weight room: Even if you are physically fit and active, you can still be prone to sciatica if you don’t follow proper body form during weight lifting or other strength training exercises.
• Have diabetes: Diabetes increases your chance of nerve damage, which increases your chance of sciatica.
• Have osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis can cause damage to your spine and put nerves at risk of injury.
• Lead an inactive lifestyle: Sitting for long period of time and not exercising and keeping your muscles moving, flexible and toned can increase your risk of sciatica.
• Smoke: The nicotine in tobacco can damage spinal tissue, weaken bones, and speed the wearing down of vertebral disks.

Tyson’s Health Company

Since 2016, Tyson has launched a cannibis company, called Tyson 2.0 that has quickly become popular and earning money for Mike in over 20 states.

“Tyson 2.0 continues to exceed expectations in all our markets, for both retail and wholesale. The ethos behind the brand, making cannabis accessible to all, is resonating with patients and adult-use customers alike, and we are proud to be partnered with the Tyson 2.0 team to help them bring their mission to more people,” said BJ Carretta, SVP, Brand Marketing, Columbia Care. “The collaboration across markets and a shared commitment to consistency, quality and focus on our patients and customers is a critical part of the brand’s continued success across the country.”

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“Cannabis has been used as a form of medicine for thousands of years and now more than ever has become widely known to help people better cope with anxiety and depression. As cannabis has helped me, it’s an honor to be able to share greater well-being with fans through the unrivaled Tyson 2.0 products we are developing and our synergistic partnership with Columbia Care,” stated Mike Tyson, Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Tyson 2.0.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 28: Mike Tyson exits the ring after receiving a split draw against Roy Jones Jr. during Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr. presented by Triller at Staples Center on November 28, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Triller)

The 56-year-old Tyson returned to the boxing ring in 2020, for the first time in seventeen years, to face Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition bout.

Since then Tyson has hinted at further exhibition bouts, possible against former foe Evander Holyfield.