Celine Dion’s battle against stiff person syndrome has seen her suffer spasms so severe she has been left with broken ribs.
The music icon, 56, revealed in December 2022 that she had been diagnosed with the rare medical condition that is causing her muscles to gradually harden.
She explained that the disease can cause spasms that are, “abdominal, can be in the spine, can be in the ribs.”
Variety reports the singer discussing the effects of the disease in a new NBC documentary that is due to air on Tuesday, and she says she has even, “broken ribs at one point… Sometimes, when it’s very severe, it can break some ribs.”
Celine, who has sold over 200 million albums, explained that singing is now painful, revealing, “It’s like somebody strangling you… It’s like somebody is pushing your larynx and pharynx when it gets into a spasm.”
Giving more insight into what life with the crippling condition is like, she continued, “It feels like if I point my feet, it will stay in (that position). Or, if I cook – because I love to cook – my fingers, my hands will get in position. It’s cramping, but it’s like in a position of like, you cannot unlock them.”
Fans will learn more about Celine’s health battle in an upcoming Amazon MGM documentary that is due for release later this month.
During the special, titled I Am: Celine Dion, the star opens up about her regret over being unable to sing to fans, saying, “I’m working hard every day, but I have to admit-it’s been a struggle. I miss it so much. The people. I miss them.”
