(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Eric Dane has checked into rehab.

The actor is best known as Dr. Mark McSteamy' Sloan in American medical drama Grey's Anatomy. Eric is receiving care at The Hills Treatment Center in Los Angeles, his spokesperson has confirmed.

"Actor Eric Dane voluntarily checked himself into a treatment facility to help him get off of pain medication that he was prescribed for a sports injury that he suffered over the recent hiatus. He reports back to work next week. Business as usual," the representative told Star magazine.

A source added to the publication that Eric took the decision as a "preventative measure".

His wife Rebecca Gayheart is currently expecting their second child, and it's thought he was keen to conquer his problem before the new arrival makes an appearance.

"Eric felt things spiralling out of control and decided he needed to get some help," an insider told the magazine.

The next series of Grey's Anatomy is reported to have started shooting yesterday. (C) Cover Media