Paula Abdul Talks About Living With RSD / CRPS
Updated 2026: I originally wrote this article in 2012 after watching Paula Abdul talk with Dr. Oz about her experience with RSD/CRPS. I’m keeping this article because it shows her willingness to speak publicly about chronic pain and brought awareness to a condition that still is often misunderstood.
What a great interview! The best part of the interview for me was being able to finally see, after all these years, Paula coming to terms and talking about her journey and sharing that she should have probably talked about it earlier. Those of us with RSD / CRPS have been guilty of the same thing.
We all get tired of explaining what RSD / CRPS is or talking about it all the time. I often think sometimes we ourselves do not want to admit something is wrong. You can’t change something or understand something you do not want to admit you have. Paula Abdul had been ridiculed for years due to her RSD / CRPS, and it was nice to see her take a look back through time at some video clips and be able to understand how people could have said the horrible things they did. No one fully understood what she was going through.
I remember a few years ago when Paula Abdul was on American Idol, I had turned on my local radio station and they were making fun of her because of something she had done on the show the night before. I was outraged and contacted the radio station that morning and told them I was ashamed of how they acted and that I also had RSD, and as a radio station they should not be making fun of people who are sick!
Dr. Oz also did a great job on explaining what RSD is and used a visual example which is definitely worth watching if you can find it.
I have had RSD since 1994, and I agree with Paula that with dietary changes, supplements, exercise, and managing your stress, you can improve your quality of life and health.
Our bodies are amazing! I have done many similar dietary changes, am taking supplements, and use wellness products as part of my daily routine. I also turned 50, and as a woman, I fully understand how hard it has become to age gracefully. Paula Abdul, I am glad you have never been healthier, and you feel good! You look great, and I am happy for you!
RSD is now more commonly known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Awareness still matters because most people still are not aware of it. The more people who understand this condition and the experiences of those living with it, the less likely people are to dismiss what they cannot see. Paula also shares her story here in a Pain Pathways article.
I made many of the same lifestyle changes Paula did, and I share those 8 key habits in my book, The Healthy Habits Challenge.