Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge, Shirley Ballas, at 64 years old, is resorting to unconventional methods like ice baths and a juice diet to avoid undergoing spinal surgery. Shirley, who has been grappling with back issues for several years, is determined to steer clear of surgical interventions by opting for natural remedies. In a recent interview on the ‘Mid Point’ podcast with Gabby Logan, Shirley disclosed, “I’ve got this disorder in my spine, degenerative spine which I haven’t really talked about with anybody yet.” She went on to elaborate on her approach, mentioning, “So I am trying to do more juicing I am doing ice bathing.”
Describing her daily routine, Shirley stated, “Oh yeah, I have got a brass monkey ice bath. I can go up to about four minutes now, I have built up to in the freezing, freezing cold at 5am.” She also highlighted the positive impact these changes have had, saying, “So I would say it really stimulates me to start my day, plus I have cut my hours down at work because I don’t want any operations for as long as I possibly don’t have to have any.” The celebrated TV personality attributed the cause of her condition to the extensive dancing she has done throughout her career, leading to significant wear and tear on her body.
Shirley emphasized her commitment to avoiding surgery, aiming for a “100 per cent” success rate in her endeavours, which includes eliminating processed foods from her diet to improve her overall health. Despite considering the possibility of surgery following consultations with specialists, she intends to delay the operation until after her involvement in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, citing her high pain tolerance and the progression of her condition in the past year as influencing factors.
In a recent interview with OK! magazine, Shirley expressed, “I’ve been to see three specialists and I may need surgery. It’s not a choice, I will have to get it sorted.” She acknowledged that while the operation may be inevitable, she is determined to continue with her commitments before addressing her health concerns. Shirley Ballas’s resilience and determination in managing her health issues serve as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of seeking alternative solutions and maintaining a positive outlook in the face of challenges.