Celine Dion Suffered Broken Ribs Caused By Muscle Spasms From Illness

Celine Dion has revealed that she has suffered broken ribs from severe muscle spasms, a direct cause of her Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis.

The My Heart Will Go On singer first confirmed her diagnosis back in December 2022, which forced her to cancel her Courage World Tour.

Speaking to presenter Hota Kotb in a new teaser clip which will air on NBC in the US, Celine Dion described living with the condition as feeling "like somebody’s strangling you".

Using her fingers to press inwards on her throat, Dion also added: "It’s like somebody’s pushing your larynx, pharynx, this way". 

"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", the singer continued. "It’s cramping, but it’s like in a position of like you cannot unlock them". 

Dion revealed that this condition has led to her sustaining "broken ribs at one point", explaining: "Sometimes, when it’s very severe, it can break some ribs". 

Stiff person syndrome can cause progressive muscular stiffness, which can cause spasms that can be "abdominal, can be in the spine, can be in the ribs", according to Dion.

While there is no secure for the disease, it can be treated with the use of muscle sedatives and relaxants. Other forms of treatment include physical and occupational therapy. 

Celine Dion has spoken at length about her ongoing health battle in a new Prime Video film: I Am Celine Dion, which will air on June 25.

This film will offer a behind-the-scenes close up at Celine Dion, amid her diagnosis and the lengths she has gone to continue performing. It is directed by Oscar winning filmmaker Irene Taylor. 

Check out the trailer below. 

Celine Dion has sold over 250 million albums in a 40 year career. She has also won two Oscars, five Grammys, as well as the Billboard Music Award lifetime achievement icon award.