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Rio Ferdinand Says Chronic Back Injuries Now Trigger Hospital Stays and Wheelchair Use

The 47-year-old is adopting a physio-led, holistic regimen in Dubai to prevent flare-ups linked to his playing career.

Overview

  • In a Men's Health UK interview, the former England and Manchester United defender said lingering back damage stems from his years on the pitch.
  • He described sudden flare-ups that can confine him to a hospital bed or wheelchair for several days.
  • Ferdinand said he relied on tablets and painkilling injections for about six years to keep playing.
  • Now living in Dubai with his wife Kate, he has begun regular physiotherapy for the first time since retiring, coordinated with his personal trainer in a preventive program.
  • After leaving TNT Sports last year, he launched the YouTube project Rio Ferdinand Presents and emphasized staying active for his mental health and as a model of work ethic for his children.