Adam Devine, known for his roles in popular shows like Pitch Perfect, Workaholics, and The Righteous Gemstones, has faced a daunting health challenge that he believes dates back to a childhood accident. In a revealing interview with Graham Bensinger, Devine opened up about his battle with chronic pain, which he attributes to being struck by a cement truck as a child, resulting in multiple broken bones in his legs.
Recently, Devine's health took a troubling turn when doctors diagnosed him with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), also known as Moersch-Woltman Syndrome. This rare neurological disorder is marked by severe muscle stiffness and debilitating spasms, which can be triggered by various stimuli such as noise or touch. Devine described the severity of his condition, stating, “When your muscles get so tight that you can no longer walk, you can no longer move — then your heart will stop beating because your heart is a muscle. It gets too tight to beat, and then you die.” He further noted that the average life expectancy for those diagnosed with SPS is just six years, a fact that adds a chilling weight to his experience.
In a particularly harrowing moment, Devine shared that doctors had informed him he was dying, a diagnosis that arrived just a month before the birth of his first child, Beau, in February 2024. Devine recalled his thoughts during that time: “Oh great, now I’m gonna die. He’s gonna be 6 years old, he’s only gonna know a crippled father.” This prognosis was not only alarming but also a profound emotional burden as he prepared for fatherhood.
Fortunately, a sense of relief came when Devine was referred to a leading expert in SPS, who reassured him that he did not have Moersch-Woltman Syndrome. Instead, the expert concluded that Devine’s challenges were residual effects from his childhood accident, offering a more hopeful outlook on his situation. Devine has since described his daily routine, stating, “It hurts to sit for too long, it hurts to stand for too long, it hurts to walk for too long,” highlighting the ongoing struggles he faces. To manage his pain, he engages in foam rolling and stretching exercises two to three times a day.
Although Devine underwent hip surgeries in 2024 that yielded minimal improvement, he remains optimistic about a recent stem cell treatment he received in Medellín, Colombia. He expressed that this treatment seems to be “kind of working” and mentioned that he feels “the best” he’s been in about three years. However, he is still far from his former active self, stating, “I’m not exactly doing cartwheels, let alone Hollywood stunt work.”
Devine, who once aspired to be a comedy-action star, has had to recalibrate his expectations in light of his health challenges. While he continues to navigate his chronic pain and the implications it has for his career, Devine’s resilience and determination to share his story offer encouragement to others facing similar struggles.
