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Michael J. Fox recently underwent spinal surgery, a rep for the actor announced Friday. 

The procedure was "unrelated" to his Parkinson's disease, his spokesperson Leslie Sloane confirmed to E! News. 

Fox recently cancelled an appearance scheduled for the last week of April at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo in Canada. At the time, the event cited "unforeseen circumstances" for the reason behind his absence. 

While it is being reported that Michael is recovering well from his spinal surgery, it is devastating to learn that such a great man has to endure so much.

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As we all know Michael J. Fox has Parkinson disease, a progressive degenerative disease of the part of the brain called the substantia nigra that controls movement. Although Parkinson disease occurs mostly in older people, it sometimes does strike people in their forties or, as with Mr. Fox, even younger people.

Mr. Fox was first diagnosed when he noticed a "twitch" in his left little finger while he was working on the set of the 1991 film Doc Hollywood, he told People magazine. 

After the diagnosis in 1991, Fox's disease progressed over the next few years affecting his entire left side with tremors and stiffness.

Michael J. Fox said he is in the "late mild" stage of the disease. For clinical purposes, Parkinson disease is arbitrarily divided into mild, medium, and severe stages.

Stiffness of the limbs and difficulty starting movements are characteristic. In the early stages of the disease, this may show up as trouble running, etc. As the disease worsens, the patient may have a difficult time initiating activities such as walking or dressing. Mr. Fox said that sometimes he is so stiff he cannot pick up and operate his TV remote control.

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After all this he still remains hopeful and positive.  

He shared the advice he gives to people also suffering from Parkinson's Disease, saying, "That's the key. I always drive the point home: We are the answer we're looking for. We have the answers within us somewhere. We need to find a way to identify the disease before symptoms ever exist. People say 'Is there a cure?' There's not a cure, we have a lot of questions to answer before then, but we're answering them."

When actor Michael J. Fox announced he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it shone a new light on the disease as one that afflicts young people and the elderly. Despite his disease, Fox has had a successful career and has become a tireless fundraiser and advocate for Parkinson’s. April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness month so to help spread awareness here are some facts about Parkinsons we feel everyone should know.

Whom does it affect?

Parkinson’s disease is generally a disease of older adults. But it’s not only a disease of older adults. It can begin in the 20s, 30s, or 40s, though it develops in only about three people in 100,000 per year among those in their 30s and 40s. ... The challenges for those with young-onset Parkinson’s disease can be unique, but younger patients can indeed have families and successful careers, even while grappling with the disease. 

Is it genetic or are there there lifestyle or external factors that contribute?

About 5-10 percent of those with Parkinson’s disease have a single, specific gene that causes it. For the remaining 90 percent, we can’t pinpoint a specific cause. Epidemiological studies, looking at large groups of people, have identified several risk factors: pesticide exposure, usually among agricultural workers; head injury; and possibly industrial metal and solvent exposure may increase the risk of the disease. A history of melanoma also seems to increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. … As far as protective factors, studies have shown that caffeine and physical activity may lower the risk later in life. 

How does the disease progress?

Parkinson’s disease progresses slowly.  Most individuals start with tremor or loss of dexterity. Over time, they may develop worsening balance problems and frequent falls; in many cases, longstanding Parkinson’s disease can leave people confined to a wheelchair. They may experience difficulty swallowing or cognitive difficulties. They also may develop erratic, unpredictable responses to medications, with many ups and downs over the course of a day.

How is it treated?

Most of our treatment is directed toward alleviating the symptoms of the disease. We have numerous medications to improve the movement symptoms, most of which stimulate the dopamine system in the brain.

What else should people know about Parkinson’s disease?

There are many incredible organizations promoting awareness, advocating on behalf of those with Parkinson’s disease, and sponsoring research into the disease, including The Parkinson’s Foundation, the American Parkinson Disease Association and the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Also, on Saturday, April 28, the Parkinson’s Unity Walk will make its way through Central Park. Participants will be raising money for research, and trying to generate greater awareness of the disease. At Mount Sinai, they hold frequent patient events, and have regular support groups, and movement classes such as tai-chi and chair yoga for those with Parkinson’s disease.  Anyone interested in their resources can contact their nurse practitioner, Joan Miravite, at joan.miravite@mountsinai.org or 212-844-6134.  

Please share this to show your support for Michael J Fox through this challenging time and to help spread awareness about Parkinson's Disease.

sources: Metro / Medicine.net / Eonline