Celine Dion, the legendary singer of “My Heart Will Go On” and other timeless classics, has been facing a daunting challenge in her life. She has been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome (SPS), a rare and incurable disorder that causes her muscles to tense up uncontrollably. This condition affects her ability to walk, sing, and perform as she used to, and has forced her to postpone her tour dates and Las Vegas residency.
Giving an update on Celine’s health on Monday, her 75-year-old sister Claudette told Daily Mail, that the singer had lost control of her muscles.
“She’s working hard, but she no longer has control over her muscles. What breaks my heart is that she’s always been disciplined.
“Some people have lost hope because it’s all illness that isn’t well known,” she said.
What is stiff-person syndrome?
Stiff-person syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system. It causes the muscles to contract involuntarily, resulting in stiffness, spasms, pain, and anxiety. The spasms can be triggered by noise, touch, or emotional stress, and can sometimes be so severe that they can dislocate joints or even break bones.
The exact cause of SPS is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. There is no cure for SPS, but treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and surgery can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life of the patients.
How does SPS affect Celine Dion’s singing and walking?
Celine Dion revealed that she has been dealing with health problems for a long time, and that she was diagnosed with SPS in December 2022. She said that the disorder affects every aspect of her daily life, and that it makes it difficult for her to walk and sing the way she is used to.
Singing requires precise control of the vocal cords, the diaphragm, and the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat. SPS can interfere with these muscles, causing them to spasm or tighten, and affecting the pitch, tone, and volume of the voice. Walking also requires coordination of the muscles of the legs, feet, and hips. SPS can cause these muscles to stiffen or jerk, resulting in an unsteady gait, balance problems, or falls.
Celine Dion’s message of hope and resilience
Celine Dion is known for her powerful voice, her passionate performances, and her positive attitude. She has overcome many hardships in her life, such as the loss of her husband and brother to cancer, and the challenges of raising her three sons as a single mother. She has always shown grace, courage, and optimism in the face of adversity, and has inspired millions of people around the world with her music and her message.
Celine Dion is a living example of how to cope with a rare and incurable disorder with dignity and determination and has shown that even when the muscles fail, the heart can still go on. She has given hope and courage to others who are suffering from SPS or other chronic conditions, and has reminded them that they are not alone. She has proven that she is not only a superstar, but also a superwoman.
