Madonna has pulled out of three forthcoming concerts on her Madame X tour, citing “overwhelming pain”.

Axar.az reports citing Independent that the star wrote on Instagram that she has been forced to cancel her Boston shows due to a mystery ailment.

“Please forgive this unexpected turn of events,” Madonna wrote. “Doing my show every night brings me so much joy and to cancel is a kind of punishment for me.”

She continued, “But the pain I’m in right now is overwhelming and I must rest and follow doctors orders so I can come back stronger and better and continue the Madame X journey with all of you.”

Madonna’s official website has also confirmed that the cancelled performances will not be rescheduled, due to “tight scheduling”. The singer has not elaborated on what is causing the pain.