Mike Tyson on why he was in a wheelchair: ‘I have sciatica’

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There was a lot of concern over the health of former boxing champ Mike Tyson after he was spotted in a wheelchair last month.

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Tyson said his “only health problem” is sciatica, shooting pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, which affects the lower back, hips, buttocks and legs.

Tyson said the sciatica flare-ups get to the point where he can’t even talk.

“I have sciatica every now and then, it flares up,” said Tyson, as reported by the Daily Mail.  “When it flares up, I can’t even talk. Thank God it’s the only health problem I have.”

In August, Tyson was spotted in a wheelchair at the airport while holding a walking stick in his lap.

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The former heavyweight world champion said nowadays he feels “splendid” and he and his family are “truly blessed and we’re all grateful for whatever we have.”

Earlier this month, Tyson appeared to be in better health after attending the U.S. Open in New York to watch Serena Williams’ last match.

Tyson had fans worried after he told the Hotboxin’ podcast in July that he believed his expiry date is soon.

“We’re all gonna die one day of course,” said Tyson, as reported by the New York Post. “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.’”