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Dylan Efron Reveals Painful Neck Injury While Competing on DWTS

Dylan Efron isn’t letting pain slow him down on “Dancing with the Stars.” The “Traitors” alum, dancing alongside professional partner Daniella Karagach, impressed judges with their “Wicked Night” rumba despite battling a painful neck injury. Following the October 21 episode, Efron opened up to Parade about the physical struggle that nearly derailed his rehearsals and how he’s managing through the intense pace of the competition.
Efron Opens Up About the Injury
Efron revealed that he “threw out my neck a couple [of] days ago,” explaining that the injury made it especially difficult to practice the rumba’s numerous spins. “It’s not good for learning spins,” he admitted, with Karagach agreeing emphatically, “At all.” The pain became most noticeable when Efron woke up in the mornings, when he said he “couldn’t turn [his] head.”
The actor and athlete’s candid comments showed how much physical endurance is required behind the glitter of “DWTS.” Spins and turns demand not only precision and balance but also fluid movement from the neck and shoulders — something his injury made nearly impossible. Even so, Efron pushed through the discomfort to ensure he could keep up with Karagach’s choreography and meet the judges’ expectations. His determination mirrored the work ethic that’s made him one of the more disciplined contestants of Season 34.
Recovery Routine & the Physical Toll of the Show
To manage the pain and prevent it from worsening, Efron revealed that he’s been soaking in Epsom salt baths every night while focusing on rest and recovery. “Just trying to take care of myself,” he said, acknowledging that self-care has become essential as the season progresses. According to
Efron admitted that this week had been “a bit of a break” from the show’s more grueling rehearsals, though his neck injury brought a different kind of challenge. Still, he stayed committed to training with Karagach, adapting their rehearsals to avoid aggravating his condition.
Dancing Through the Pain
Despite his ongoing discomfort, Efron’s performance showed no sign of struggle. He and Karagach earned rave reviews from the judges, scoring straight eights for their “Wicked Night” rumba. Fans quickly praised Efron online for his resilience and drive, calling his ability to perform through pain both inspiring and impressive.
Efron’s perseverance reflects the physical and emotional intensity of “Dancing with the Stars.” While the neck injury tested his limits, it also highlighted his dedication to the process. As the competition heats up, Efron’s ability to balance recovery with performance may prove to be one of his biggest strengths — proving that no setback can stop him from giving his all on the dance floor.