20 Famous People Who Have Suffered Neck and Shoulder Injuries
Neck and shoulder injuries can affect people in many different professions, from television presenters and musicians to elite athletes. Some injuries develop gradually after years of physical work or repetitive movement, while others happen suddenly during training, competition, filming or everyday activities.
These famous people with neck and shoulder injuries stories feature well-known Australian and international personalities who have experienced reported neck, shoulder or related spinal injuries. Their experiences also show why recovery depends on the type and severity of an injury: some people undergo surgery and rehabilitation, while others require rest, specialist care or longer-term support. The stories below describe reported events and treatments, not a recommendation that one treatment is suitable for everyone.
TV Presenters and Media Personalities
1. Scott Cam – Emergency Neck Surgery After Years of Physical Work
Scott Cam, the Australian television presenter best known for hosting The Block, revealed that years of physically demanding work had contributed to a serious neck problem. He explained that a worn spinal disc and a vertebra collapsing had compressed nerves running towards his shoulders and arm. The symptoms became severe enough that he needed emergency hospital treatment rather than simply continuing to work through the pain. His experience highlighted how a problem that initially seems like a pinched nerve can sometimes turn out to be much more serious.
Cam underwent an operation lasting approximately three hours, during which the surgeon created space for the affected nerve between the vertebrae. He spent five days in hospital and was instructed not to lift more than one kilogram for a six-week period after surgery. When he spoke publicly about his recovery, he said he was improving but needed to be careful about returning to heavy work. His advice to tradespeople was to pay attention to posture, avoid unnecessary heavy lifting and use machinery to move heavy materials whenever possible.
2. Joy Behar – A Dislocated Shoulder That Interrupted Her TV Appearances
American television presenter and comedian Joy Behar experienced a dislocated shoulder in late September 2026. The injury was reported after she missed consecutive episodes of The View, with co-hosts confirming her absence as she recovered. Her case illustrates how even a non-sporting injury can interrupt a busy professional schedule, particularly when a job involves regular public appearances and on-camera work. Public reports identified the injury as a shoulder dislocation, but did not establish a detailed account of exactly how it happened.
By early October, Behar was still recovering, and reports indicated she was expected to return to the programme after taking time to heal. The publicly available information did not establish that she had undergone surgery or specify a formal rehabilitation plan, so it would be misleading to claim that she received either. A dislocated shoulder generally requires professional assessment and an appropriate recovery plan, but her personal treatment details should not be assumed without confirmation.
Singers and Musicians
3. Alex Lloyd – Chronic Neck Pain and Nerve Symptoms
Australian singer-songwriter Alex Lloyd has spoken publicly about severe, persistent pain associated with his neck. In an ABC Australian Story report published in August 2025, he described having no cartilage between the C2 and C3 vertebrae, which caused substantial nerve pain. The discomfort affected him during a difficult period of his life and was part of a wider story involving his physical health and struggles with prescription opioid dependence. His account shows how chronic pain can have consequences beyond physical symptoms, affecting a person’s work, mood and daily functioning
Lloyd said he was prescribed oxycodone to manage his pain, but the medication eventually became difficult to stop taking. The ABC report also documented that he underwent neck surgery, although the available reporting does not provide enough detail to specify the exact procedure or its date. His story should not be reduced to a simple claim that surgery immediately solved the problem: the report describes a more complex recovery involving pain management and addiction recovery. It is a reminder that persistent neck pain deserves appropriate clinical assessment and that prescription pain medication should be used only under medical supervision.
4. Jason Derulo – The Neck Fracture That Interrupted His Music Career
In January 2012, singer Jason Derulo fractured a vertebra in his neck while practising an acrobatic move as he prepared for a world tour. Reports said he landed directly on his head during training in Florida and was taken to hospital. The injury was serious enough that doctors warned of the potential for paralysis, and his upcoming tour dates and appearances were cancelled. The incident abruptly interrupted preparations for a major period of live performances
Derulo received hospital care and had to put his performances on hold while he recovered. Contemporary reports described the fracture and tour cancellation, but do not establish a full, detailed account of his treatment protocol or a precise date on which he was medically cleared for all activity. His return to performing came after the injury-related interruption, but it is important not to invent specific surgery or rehabilitation details that are not documented in reliable reporting. A cervical fracture is a serious injury requiring specialist management, not a condition to treat as ordinary neck stiffness.
Actors and Hollywood Stars
5. Sylvester Stallone – A Neck Injury During a Film Fight Scene
Actor Sylvester Stallone reported suffering a neck fracture while filming a fight scene with professional wrestler Steve Austin for The Expendables. The injury happened during the physically demanding production, where fight choreography exposed performers to the risks associated with falls, impact and contact. According to reporting carried by WWE from The Daily Telegraph in Australia, Stallone described the injury as a hairline fracture and said it required a serious operation.
Stallone said he underwent emergency surgery and had a metal plate inserted in his neck. Public reporting about the incident focuses on the fracture and operation, rather than providing a detailed clinical rehabilitation timeline. It is therefore best to describe the surgery as the confirmed treatment reported at the time, without speculating about the exact length of recovery or the specific exercises he completed afterward. The case also demonstrates why a serious neck injury sustained during a production needs specialist medical care before any return to demanding physical work.
AFL Players With Neck and Shoulder Injuries
6. Wayne Carey – Long-Term Neck Problems and Shoulder Complications
Former Australian rules football star Wayne Carey has spoken about the long-term effects of injuries sustained during his playing career. Reports in 2026 described cervical spine problems accompanied by numbness in his hands, shooting pains and episodes of falling. After a lengthy period without an MRI scan, Carey sought further medical assessment, which reportedly identified significant spinal problems. His experience illustrates how an old sporting injury can continue to affect movement and function long after an athlete has retired.
Carey’s reported medical history also includes shoulder surgery in 2022, while more recent coverage discussed the possibility of further treatment for his neck and shoulder problems. Because the reporting describes multiple issues over time, it is important to distinguish the earlier shoulder procedure from the more recent cervical spine concerns. The reports do not establish one single treatment that resolved every problem. Persistent numbness, shooting pain or loss of balance can indicate a serious neurological issue and should prompt medical assessment rather than self-treatment.
7. Will Day – Shoulder Dislocation and Reconstructive Surgery
Hawthorn AFL player Will Day suffered a right shoulder dislocation during a tackling drill in January 2026. The injury occurred during training at the club’s Kennedy Community Centre and was a major setback as the team prepared for the new season. Hawthorn confirmed the seriousness of the injury, with reports indicating that the dislocation required more than a short period of rest. The incident demonstrates that shoulder injuries can happen during controlled training, not just during matches.
Day underwent shoulder reconstruction surgery later that month and began planning for a rehabilitation period expected to keep him out for a substantial part of the 2026 season. Reports at the time suggested he would not be available until around the club’s mid-season bye. That timeline was a projected return window rather than a guarantee of recovery on a particular date; return-to-play decisions depend on healing, strength, range of motion and medical clearance. His case is an example of why a significant shoulder dislocation can require surgery and a staged return to sport.
8. Errol Gulden – Shoulder Surgery and Rehabilitation
Sydney Swans midfielder Errol Gulden injured his right shoulder during an AFL match in March 2026. The club later confirmed that he would undergo surgery, with the injury expected to sideline him for approximately four months. Losing a key player for that length of time was a substantial setback for the Swans, particularly early in the season. The announcement established the need for an operation, although it did not publicly detail every aspect of the damage or the planned surgical technique.
The immediate plan was surgery followed by rehabilitation before he could return to full football duties. A projected four-month absence gives an indication of the expected recovery period, but it should not be interpreted as proof that an athlete will be ready for contact competition as soon as that time has elapsed. Shoulder rehabilitation generally progresses according to the surgeon’s and physiotherapist’s assessment, with strength, stability and sport-specific movement all relevant to return-to-play decisions. The club’s public update did not establish a precise date of final clearance.
9. Jeremy Cameron – An AC Joint Injury That Required Surgery
Geelong Cats forward Jeremy Cameron was reported to have sustained a left shoulder acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury in July 2026. The AC joint connects the collarbone with the highest point of the shoulder blade, and injuries in this area can affect lifting, reaching and contact activity. Reports about Cameron described surgery as part of his management, making the injury a significant concern for Geelong as it considered his availability for the season.
Surgery was reported as the next step, but the details of a full rehabilitation plan and his exact return date should be taken from subsequent club updates rather than assumed. Athletes recovering from shoulder surgery typically need a gradual progression from protecting the joint to restoring movement and strength, then returning to sport-specific training. Cameron’s case is a useful example of why a shoulder injury’s location and severity matter when estimating recovery; not every AC joint injury requires the same treatment.
10. Brody Mihocek – A Serious Neck Fracture
Melbourne forward Brody Mihocek suffered a neck fracture during an AFL match against Collingwood in June 2026. He was injured in a tackle and required assistance from medical staff before being taken from the field on a stretcher and transported to hospital. The incident was particularly concerning because a fracture in the neck can threaten the spinal cord and requires careful assessment. ABC News reported that the match was interrupted while medical personnel attended to him
Mihocek underwent an operation that night to address the fracture, and the club subsequently reported that he was recovering well and had already been able to walk. That early positive update was encouraging, but it did not mean he could immediately resume football; recovery from a serious neck fracture requires specialist follow-up and careful medical clearance. The publicly reported treatment was surgery and hospital care, and any further return-to-play timeline should be based on the club’s subsequent medical updates.
11. Robert Muir – Shoulder Reconstruction and Recovery
Former St Kilda footballer Robert Muir was reported to have undergone reverse shoulder reconstruction in 2021. The procedure was covered as part of a recovery story following shoulder problems, highlighting that significant shoulder damage can require complex surgery rather than a brief period of rest. Public reports identified the operation, but did not provide a complete account of every injury that led to it or a detailed medical timeline extending across his entire career.
The available coverage described Muir as recovering after surgery, but it would be inappropriate to infer an exact return-to-function date or claim that all symptoms were resolved. Reverse shoulder reconstruction is a specialised procedure used in selected cases of significant shoulder dysfunction; the suitability of any operation depends on an individual’s diagnosis and overall condition. His story is best presented as an example of a former athlete undergoing a major shoulder procedure, rather than as evidence that one operation is appropriate for every shoulder injury.
Rugby League Players With Neck Injuries
12. Andrew Johns – The Neck Disc Injury That Ended His Playing Career
Australian rugby league great Andrew Johns announced his retirement in April 2007 after a recurrence of a neck disc problem. He had injured his neck in a match against Canberra and then experienced a further problem during training. The injury was not just a matter of managing discomfort: specialists warned that continuing to play could expose him to a serious spinal cord injury. The announcement ended his career earlier than he had planned, despite his outstanding achievements in the sport.
Johns received advice from a specialist neck surgeon and the Newcastle Knights’ medical team. According to the ABC report, the doctors did not believe surgery, injections or physical therapy would make his neck safe enough for him to return to professional rugby league. Retirement was therefore the medically advised decision, rather than a case of undergoing an operation and returning to competition. His story shows that the most appropriate outcome of an injury assessment is sometimes to avoid further exposure to risk, even when an athlete is eager to continue.
13. Nathan Stapleton – A Life-Changing Neck and Spinal Cord Injury
Former NRL player Nathan Stapleton suffered a serious neck injury while playing country rugby in April 2022. During a tackle, he fractured his C4 vertebra and damaged his spinal cord. He was taken for emergency medical care, and the injury resulted in quadriplegia, affecting his functional capacity below the shoulders. The incident brought an abrupt end to his life as he had known it and required an extended period of hospital treatment.
Stapleton spent approximately eight months recovering in hospital before returning home and beginning the next stage of adapting to life with a spinal cord injury. His later story, published by JobAccess, describes how assistive technology and workplace adjustments helped him return to work as a farm manager. These supports included equipment that enabled him to use a computer and communicate more independently. His recovery illustrates that rehabilitation after a spinal cord injury can involve long-term medical, practical and workplace support, rather than a quick return to previous activities.
Cricket Players With Neck and Shoulder Injuries
14. Chris Lynn – Neck Nerve Compression and Recurrent Shoulder Dislocations
Australian cricketer Chris Lynn has experienced both a neck disc injury and repeated shoulder problems. In January 2017, he revealed that he had been playing through a bulging disc in his neck for around five weeks before scans showed that the disc was pressing against a nerve. The condition caused considerable pain and threatened his availability for the remainder of the Big Bash League season. Later that year, Lynn also suffered shoulder dislocations while fielding, adding another challenge to his playing career.
The management of Lynn’s injuries differed according to the problem. In 2017, medical reports about one right shoulder dislocation said the shoulder was put back into place and scans showed no major bone injury; his manager later said surgery was not required for that particular incident. His recurrent shoulder issues and neck disc problem should not be treated as one condition or assumed to have had the same treatment. These reports demonstrate why accurate diagnosis and assessment are important when pain, nerve compression and joint instability can occur in the same athlete.
15. Michael Clarke – A Fractured Shoulder During His Cricket Career
Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke sustained a fractured shoulder during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town in March 2014. He was struck by a fast delivery on the left shoulder area and continued batting, eventually scoring 161 not out. Subsequent scans confirmed a fracture near the shoulder joint, while medical staff were also concerned about the impact of the blow to his head and the visible swelling around his neck
Cricket Australia medical staff advised Clarke to rest, and the fracture ruled him out of the domestic Sheffield Shield final that was scheduled for later that month. The contemporary report said the injury was expected to heal with a period of rest; it did not describe shoulder surgery as the treatment for that fracture. Clarke’s decision to keep batting before the full extent of the injury was known should not be interpreted as advice for others to play through pain. Suspected fractures need prompt medical assessment and appropriate restrictions on activity.
16. Matthew Hayden – A Spinal Injury After a Surfing Accident
Former Australian Test cricketer Matthew Hayden fractured a vertebra and tore ligaments in his neck during a surfing accident on North Stradbroke Island in October 2018. The accident occurred when a wave dumped him into shallow water. Hayden later described the injury on social media, identifying a fracture at C6 and ligament damage around C4 and C5. He shared a photograph wearing a neck brace and said that scans had helped doctors assess the extent of the injury.
Hayden received medical assessment, including MRI and CT scans, and wore a neck brace while recovering. His public update at the time described him as being on the road to recovery, but the available report does not establish that he underwent surgery. Because fractures and ligament injuries in the cervical spine can be serious, the brace and medical follow-up were important parts of his care. His case also highlights that a neck injury can happen during recreational activity, not just in professional sport.
Tennis Players With Shoulder Injuries
17. Thanasi Kokkinakis – Recurring Shoulder Problems and His Comeback
Australian tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis has dealt with long-running problems involving his right shoulder and pectoral area. After a lengthy absence from singles tennis, he returned to competition at the Adelaide International in January 2026 following pectoral surgery the previous February. During his comeback match, he reported that his right arm had troubled him for much of his career and that the symptoms were different from the pain he had experienced previously. He later withdrew from the tournament because of a right shoulder injury
Kokkinakis described spending much of the previous year in rehabilitation and undergoing surgery to address the underlying pectoral problem. His return was a major step, but the shoulder symptoms that emerged in Adelaide meant that his comeback did not proceed as hoped. The reports do not establish that the January 2026 shoulder injury was resolved by a new operation, so it is more accurate to describe his management as involving previous surgery, rehabilitation and a further withdrawal for medical reasons. His experience highlights the challenges of returning to a high-load sport after a long-term upper-body injury.
Swimming Champions and Shoulder Injuries
18. Cate Campbell – A Shoulder Injury That Required Surgery
Australian Olympic swimmer Cate Campbell underwent shoulder surgery in 2014 after a problem involving a bone spur that was reported to be pinching a nerve. The injury came during a period in which Campbell was competing at an elite level, and it created another hurdle in a career that had already involved health setbacks. Shoulder pain can be particularly disruptive for swimmers because the shoulder repeatedly moves through a large range of motion during training and competition.
The planned surgery was intended to address the shoulder problem, but the available report does not give enough detail to claim a precise rehabilitation schedule or an exact date on which she fully recovered from this specific injury. Campbell continued her swimming career after the setback and competed at subsequent major events, including the 2016 Rio Olympics. Her wider career demonstrates resilience after health challenges, although it is important not to attribute every later result to this single shoulder operation.
Surfers Who Have Suffered Neck Injuries
19. Manning Gregory – Recovering From a Major Neck Injury
Australian surfer Manning Gregory broke three vertebrae in his neck — C5, C6 and C7 — in a surfing accident in September 2023. The incident occurred when he fell headfirst into sand in shallow water. He was just 17 at the time, and the injury threatened to derail his competitive surfing ambitions. According to ABC News, the fractures and ligament damage initially raised concerns about his mobility and whether he would be able to return to the sport.
Gregory wore a neck brace for six weeks and stayed out of the water for 12 weeks while the injury healed. The ABC reported that the fractures were relatively minor and the injury healed well, with no long-term injury reported at the time of publication. Around six months after the accident, he returned to competitive surfing and won the Surfest Trials event in Newcastle, earning a place in the main competition. His comeback followed a period of protection and recovery; it should not be taken to mean that other people with cervical fractures can return to activity on the same schedule.
Track and Field Athletes With Neck Injuries
20. Sarah Carli – Overcoming a Serious Neck Injury
Australian 400-metre hurdler Sarah Carli suffered a life-threatening injury in a gym accident in February 2021, just months before the Tokyo Olympics. While stepping onto a box with a bar across her shoulders, she slipped forward and the bar came down on her neck. The injury damaged the wall of the carotid artery, which supplies blood to the brain. Although initial assessments appeared reassuring, she later developed worrying symptoms, including numbness in her hands and feet, before doctors identified the need for urgent surgery.
Carli underwent emergency vascular surgery to repair the damaged artery, followed by a period of restricted activity and intensive rehabilitation. She was initially told not to exercise for five months, but her recovery progressed step by step: she began jogging short distances and returned to hurdling in June 2021. She subsequently competed at the Tokyo Olympics. Her injury was a vascular emergency rather than a routine neck strain, and her recovery depended on urgent specialist treatment and carefully supervised rehabilitation.
What These 20 famous people with neck and shoulder injuries Stories Teach Us
These stories show that neck and shoulder injuries can arise in very different circumstances. Scott Cam described wear and tear associated with years of physical work, Alex Lloyd experienced chronic neck-related nerve pain, and several professional athletes sustained injuries during competition or training. Others, including Matthew Hayden and Manning Gregory, were injured while surfing.
The recovery paths were equally different. Some people underwent surgery, some were managed with rest or a neck brace, and others required extensive rehabilitation or long-term support. A treatment that is suitable for one person may be inappropriate for another, particularly when a fracture, vascular injury or spinal cord injury is involved.
When Should You Seek Professional Help for Neck or Shoulder Pain?
Consider getting assessed if neck or shoulder pain persists, repeatedly returns, limits normal movement or is accompanied by tingling or numbness. New or worsening weakness, problems with balance, or symptoms following a significant accident need prompt medical attention.
Seek emergency medical care after a serious neck injury, or for sudden neurological symptoms. Do not attempt neck manipulation or exercises when a fracture, spinal cord injury or other serious condition is suspected.
How Wave Chiropractic & Wellness Can Help
For people in Toowoomba experiencing neck or shoulder discomfort, the first step is to establish what may be causing the symptoms and whether chiropractic care is appropriate. Depending on the assessment, a clinician may discuss options such as chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy or advice on movement and posture.
These services are not substitutes for emergency treatment or specialist management of fractures, spinal cord injuries, vascular injuries or serious neurological symptoms. The right approach depends on the individual diagnosis.
To learn more about Wave Chiropractic & Wellness, visit the Wave Chiropractic & Wellness website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which famous Australians have suffered neck injuries?
Examples include Scott Cam, Alex Lloyd, Andrew Johns, Matthew Hayden, Manning Gregory, Nathan Stapleton and Sarah Carli. Their injuries differed significantly in cause and severity.
Which famous people have experienced shoulder injuries?
Publicly reported examples include Joy Behar, Wayne Carey, Will Day, Errol Gulden, Jeremy Cameron, Chris Lynn, Michael Clarke, Thanasi Kokkinakis and Cate Campbell.
Can a neck injury cause pain in the shoulder or arm?
Yes. Some neck conditions can affect nerves that travel into the shoulder and arm. However, shoulder pain can also originate in the shoulder itself, so symptoms alone cannot establish the diagnosis.
How long does recovery from a neck or shoulder injury take?
Recovery varies considerably. A minor soft-tissue injury may improve over a shorter period, while surgery, fractures and nerve or spinal cord injuries can require much longer recovery and specialist follow-up.
Can chiropractic care help with neck and shoulder pain?
It may be appropriate for selected musculoskeletal conditions following an assessment. It is not suitable for every injury and should not replace medical or surgical care when a serious injury is suspected.
References
The following sources provide the reported details used in this article. They are grouped here for readers who want to verify the individual stories.
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