Paula Abdul has undergone surgery on her neck to relieve pain she has suffered for the past 20 years.

According to reports, the American Idol judge checked into Los Angeles' Olympia Medical Center in early August (08) for a five-day stay.

The 46-year-old singer's spine was first damaged during a cheerleading accident when she was 17. She was then involved in a car accident and a minor plane crash that worsened the damage.

She once told reporters, "I have four titanium plates in my neck. I've had 14 surgeries over the years."

A source tells the National Enquirer of her recent surgery, "Paula wasn't about to begin another season of Idol living in constant pain. Auditions for the show begin in New York at the end of August, and she wanted to make sure she was feeling her best before hitting the road." (IG/NE) (IG/NE/PAW)

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