Richard LeParmentier has revealed how chronic pain triggered by a slipped disc in his neck made his life a misery for several years.

The 63-year-old actor and screenwriter, who is perhaps best known for his role as Admiral Motti in Star Wars, told the Daily Mail that the problem began while he was lifting weights in the gym.

LeParmentier explained that he felt a strange sensation in his neck before experiencing shooting pains in his right shoulder and arm.

Numbness in his right hand meant he was soon struggling to write and began to find travelling extremely uncomfortable.

"I'm often invited to make personal appearances in Europe and America. But they were no fun any more, because I had to grit my teeth to get through them," he told the newspaper.

Ultrasound machines such as the Ultralieve Pro can be used to treat neck strains and painful back conditions.

LeParmentier, who was initially diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, eventually underwent a pioneering new treatment at a hospital in Bristol to replace the damaged discs.

The Pennsylvania-born star's other film credits include Rollerball, Superman II and Octopussy.