In a candid Instagram post, Justin Timberlake revealed his ongoing struggle with Lyme disease, shedding light on a challenging health experience that has impacted his recent “Forget Tomorrow” world tour. The 44-year-old performer opened up about the debilitating nature of the tick-borne illness, describing intense nerve pain and extreme fatigue that has affected his live performances.

Timberlake shared that his initial diagnosis came as a shock, explaining the difficult decision he faced between stopping his tour or pushing through his symptoms. Ultimately, he chose to continue performing, believing the joy of connecting with fans outweighed his physical challenges.

Lyme disease, named after the coastal Connecticut town where it was first identified in the mid-1970s, is transmitted through tick bites and can cause a range of symptoms including fever, skin rashes, joint pain, and neurological complications. An estimated 476,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease annually, though many cases go unreported.

The singer joins a growing list of celebrities like Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber, and Bella Hadid who have publicly discussed their experiences with Lyme disease, helping to raise awareness about this often misunderstood condition.

Health experts recommend several preventative measures to reduce the risk of tick bites, including avoiding areas with high grass, wearing long clothing, using EPA-registered insect repellents, and performing thorough body checks after outdoor activities.

By sharing his personal health journey, Timberlake hopes to provide transparency and support for others experiencing similar challenges, breaking down stigmas around discussing chronic health conditions.

While the road to managing Lyme disease can be complex, Timberlake’s resilience and commitment to his craft demonstrate the importance of perseverance and open communication about personal health struggles.