Nick Moran, best known as Scabior in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, recently underwent emergency surgery after neck pain turned out to be a serious spinal issue.

Initially brushing off the pain with “some deep heat,” Moran was urged by his partner to seek medical attention. According to his friend Terry Stone, doctors soon discovered something “life-threatening.” Stone revealed: “He damaged his neck somehow and it’s affecting his spinal cord and some of the things that operate your speech and your legs.”

Doctors warned Moran that without immediate surgery, he might lose the ability to walk or talk. “They had to replace [bones in his neck] with artificial bone… there’s so many nerves around the neck and spine this made the operation tricky,” Stone explained.

Thankfully, the operation was a success. Moran is now recovering at home. His representative confirmed: “Nick will be back working on his next film shortly… walking, talking, and making a full recovery.” He added that Moran appreciates the support and well wishes.