'Sopranos' Star Jamie-Lynn Sigler Reveals Multiple Sclerosis Battle; 5 Facts to Know About the Condition

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"Sopranos" actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler revealed she's been sick with multiple sclerosis (MS) since she was 20-years old. Now 34, she detailed her condition in an interview with People.

Sigler told the magazine that she hid her condition even while working on the set of the HBO show. "I didn't really need help necessarily, it was more like some pain and feeling uncomfortable but I could easily hide it."

Eventually, she told the cast and co-workers about her disease, including her TV father James Gandolfini, whom she described as "protective" of her. "Sometimes it makes you feel better to know that somebody else knows," said Sigler. "And if you are having a hard day, if you're a little tired, even a pat on the back can make all the difference."

Sigler revealed that she was "symptom-free" for years, until she started feeling some weakness on her right side. "I can't walk for a long period of time without resting. I cannot run. No superhero roles for me," she said via USA Today.

Below are five facts you need know about multiple sclerosis:

1.) The chronic neurological condition affects the central nervous system and anyone can develop it. However, experts were able to determine over the years that MS occurs two or three times more in women than men. National MS Society reported that  it is more common among Caucasians although ethnic groups like Hispanics or Latinos can develop the condition.

2.) More than 2.3 million people are diagnosed with MS, between the ages of 20 to 40-years old, but the disease could develop earlier. MS International Federation informed that it is not contagious nor hereditary, but genetics could be vulnerable to it.

3.) Symptoms of MS include loss of balance, lack of coordination, weakness in the arms or legs, numbing and tingling, blurred visions and problems with concentration. Some symptoms don't always appear, and a person with MS can experience different symptoms at different times. Web MD informed that some symptoms also never come back. For Sigler's symptoms, she takes Tecfidera twice daily.

4.) Mayo Clinic shared that MS has no cure and therapies have not been proven to slow down the progression. However, the symptoms can be managed with medication depending on the person's condition.

5.) Many people suffering from MS do not become paralyzed and life expectancy has improved in recent years. Aside from treating the symptoms, some manage their condition with the help of canes or crutches, or by changing their diet and following regular exercises.