Austin Faces Knife

11/30/1998 at 12:00 AM EST

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin may have taken one body slam too many. The pro wrestling star will have orthopedic surgery early next year, says his physician. Dr. Henry H. Bohlmand told Cleveland's Plain Dealer newspaper that Austin's surgery is planned on bone spurs and damaged vertebrae and discs. A bone graft will relieve spinal cord pressure. Austin, 34, is suffering from back pain and a numb feeling in his arms and legs. Following surgery, he is expected to remain in a brace for six weeks and then will begin rehabilitation. Bohlmand said he saw nothing that would prevent Austin from fully recovering and returning to wrestling.