‘It’s like somebody is strangling you’: Celine Dion opens up on the toll of her health battle

Iconic singer Celine Dion has offered a confronting insight into the toll Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) syndrome has had on her, likening it to being strangled.

In December 2022, Dion shocked her fans by candidly sharing on social media that she had been diagnosed with SPS.

“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time,” Dion said at the time.

“And it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.

“Recently I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff person syndrome which affects something like one in a million people.

“While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms I’ve been having.

“Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.”

Now in a preview for an upcoming interview with NBC News, the acclaimed singer has opened up about the impact of her condition on her health and well-being.

“It’s like somebody is strangling you. It’s like somebody is pushing your larynx/pharynx. It was like talking like that, and you cannot go high or lower,” she said.

As a result of her condition, Dion regularly suffers from cramps which have previously left her with broken ribs.

“It feels like, if I point my feet, they 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 where you cannot unlock them,” she explained.

“I have broken ribs at one point because sometimes when its very severe, it can break.”

Dion previously offered a raw glimpse into her battle with the SPS after the My Heart Will Go On hitmaker shared the trailer for her upcoming documentary I Am: Celine Dion.

The documentary explores Dion’s life and career and rise to superstardom while also shedding light on her ongoing struggle with SPS.

In the clip, Dion breaks down while discussing the impact of her condition and her desire to perform once again.

“I’m working hard everyday. But I have to admit, it’s been a struggle,” she revealed.

“I miss it so much. The people, I miss them. If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl. I won’t stop.”

Despite the challenges her condition presents, a source close to the singer recently revealed to The Sun that The Power Of Love singer is “not giving up her desire to sing again”.

“She has been working with voice coaches, band members and specialists for over six months now,” the source revealed.

“She believes she could release a concert film featuring her playing her biggest hits.”

-with BANG.