CHER is reeling from an excruciating new health crisis — and people close to the 66-year-old superstar fear it may disrupt her final world tour.
The singing legend is scheduled to begin touring in September, but she's been exhausting herself, spending hours a day in the dance studio and working overtime to finish an album.
As a result, the multitalented performer is suffering from terrible knee pain and a nerve problem in her neck.
In mid-May, Cher tweeted fans about how hard she's pushing her body in the dance studio. Then days later she alerted them to a "pinched nerve in my neck" and said she was in "real pain" and heading for a doctor.
"Cher's knees and neck hurt horribly, but she is determined to do one last tour and go out with a bang — even if it endangers her body," revealed an insider. "Pals are begging her to take it easy."
Chicago-based orthopedic surgeon Dr. Richard Berger, who has not treated Cher but works closely with celebrities, told The ENQUIRER: "The pinched nerve and knee problems are most likely due to arthritis setting in — part and parcel of her age and her high level of physical activity.
"It may hinder her tour, but like a professional, she'll power through her performances."
The feisty Oscar winner has endured stomach ailments, depression, yo-yo dieting and potentially deadly pneumonia. She's also waged a 25- year battle with the epstein-Barr virus, which makes her feel rundown and can contribute to arthritis.
Hawaii-based Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum believes Cher may be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, which is related to epstein-Barr.
"People with CFS can also have inflammation problems and suffer from depression and insomnia," said the expert, who has not treated the singer. He added that metabolic problems caused by CFS can also lead to yo-yo dieting. "If she gets proper care, which involves treating the whole immune system, the problems may resolve," Dr. Teitelbaum explained. "But if not, she may suffer widespread pain and exhaustion."
Added the insider: "Everyone's praying something tragic doesn't happen to Cher from overexertion of her already problematic body."
