"Living with it can be continually debilitating": Justin Timberlake announces he has Lyme disease

American pop star Justin Timberlake announced to his fans on Thursday, July 31, that he is suffering from Lyme disease, a condition that he says is giving him no respite. The 44-year-old singer, a former member of the boy band NSYNC, whose world tour has just ended, took to Instagram to express his feelings.

"It's been the most fun, emotional, rewarding, physically demanding and, at times, exhausting experience," he said of the tour, which drew widespread criticism from some fans, particularly for the artist's lack of energy on stage.

"Among other things, I've had to deal with some health issues, and I was diagnosed with Lyme disease, which I'm not saying to make you feel sorry for me, but to give a glimpse into what I've had to deal with behind the scenes," Justin Timberlake revealed.

“Living with it can be continually debilitating, both mentally and physically. When I received the diagnosis, I was of course shocked. But at least I could understand why I had intense nerve pain on stage, or why I felt extremely tired or ill,” he added.

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by bacteria transmitted to humans through the bites of infected ticks.

This condition is rarely fatal, but infected people often develop a rash and suffer from flu-like symptoms, including muscle and joint pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Justin Timberlake, known for songs like Cry Me A River and Can't Stop The Feeling , had a run-in with the law a year ago after being arrested for drunk driving near New York . He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor offense and was sentenced to community service.