Kim Wilde reveals ‘terrifying’ secret health struggle – saying it was ‘unbearable pain’ and she thought career was OVER
KIM Wilde has revealed her ‘terrifying’ secret health struggle, saying she suffered ‘awful, unbearable pain’ and thought her career was OVER.
80s pop legend Kim, 64, has continued to tour and perform into her senior age.
However, a shock injury 18 months ago left her in unbearable pain and uncertain about her future.
Speaking on Kaye Adams' podcast, she said last month: “It was terrifying. It was completely debilitating, terribly painful - nerve pain going right down my legs.
"Just unbearable pain that I never seemed to be able to get out of. It was awful.
“I did feel very vulnerable. I just thought the life as I loved it was disappearing. The things that I loved to do most - walking my doggies - can’t do that.
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"Going out on tour and running across the stage - can’t do that.”
Slipped discs occur when a soft cushion of tissue bulges out between the bones in the spine, often pressing on nerves and causing intense pain.
While sometimes triggered by an injury, they can also occur without an obvious cause.
Reflecting on the impact of the condition, Kim admitted: “Pretty much everything I loved to do, just in one day disappeared, and I didn’t know if I would recover.
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“It was very scary, and I promised myself if I got myself better, I’d go hell for leather for everything. I’d be walking, I’d be swimming, I’d be getting a personal trainer. I’ve done all those things, and I feel fantastic.
“I’m probably fitter now at 64 than 54. Only four months after my back went and I thought my world had ended, I found myself on a pair of water skis. It’s given me this fantastic momentum, and during that time I’ve made the new album.”
Back in December, Kim told how she was lured back into performing - by singing Abba songs at a village fete.
The talented hitmaker put her stellar career on the backburner in the late 1990s to pursue gardening.
But she will return with a new album early this year - and credits a fete in her Hertfordshire village for the rethink.
She said on 's podcast: “They asked me to sing Abba but when I got there they asked if I’d do Kids in America.
“I was quite anti the whole idea of it but when I sang it the whole place went crazy.
"So the village takes credit for getting me back on stage, which I rather love.”
What Is a Slipped Disc?
A SLIPPED disc, also known as a herniated disc, happens when the soft inner gel of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher outer layer. It can put pressure on nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, legs, or arms.
Common Causes:
- Poor posture
- Lifting heavy objects incorrectly
- Age-related wear and tear
- Sudden, awkward movements
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Sharp or burning pain in the back or neck
- Numbness or tingling sensations in limbs
- Weakness in arms or legs
- Difficulty walking or moving
Treatment Options:
- Physical Therapy: Strengthen muscles and improve posture
- Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories
- Surgery: In severe cases, to remove or repair the disc
If you suspect a slipped disc, consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Kim, daughter of 1950s rocker Marty Wilde, holds the record as the most-charted British female solo act of the 1980s, with 17 UK top 40 hit singles.
She first hit the charts in 1981 with Kids In America, which peaked at No2.
She followed that up with No4 Chequered Love later that year.
In 1987, she turned to comedy - releasing a Christmas charity single for Comic Relief with Mel Smith.
The cheeky duo reached number three with Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree.
She continued to have hits in the 90s as well as touring and appearing in the West End show Tommy.
In November 2024, she released her comeback single Midnight Train.
As well as music, Kim enjoyed gardening success, winning a Gold award for her courtyard garden at the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show in 2005.
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She is also an author and has published two books on gardening - Gardening with Children (2005) and The First Time Gardener (2006).
But now she has got the enthusiasm for music once again, and is planning to make the most of it.
Kim Wilde's greatest hits
Kim Wilde has enjoyed 20 top 40 hits in the UK single charts.
Despite never hitting the number one spot, her debut single Kids In America, peaked at No2 and remained in the charts for 13 weeks.
Kids in America (1981) - No2
Chequered Love (1981) - No4
Water On Glass/Boys (1981) - No11
Cambodia (1981) - No12
View From A Bridge (1982) - No16
Love Blonde (1983) - No23
The Second time (1984) - No29
Rage To Love (1985) - No19
You Keep Me Hangin' On (1986) - No2
Another Step (Closer To You) (1987) - No6
Say You Really Want Me (1987) - No29
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree (1987 with Mel Smith) - No3
Hey Mr Heartache (1988) - No31
You Came (1988) - No3
Never Trust A Stranger (1988) - No7
Four Letter Word (1988) - No6
Love In A Natural Way (1989) - No32
Love Is Holy (1992) - No16
Heart Over Mind (1992) - No34
If I Can't Have You (1993) - No12
