Stiff Person: Will Celine Dion ever perform her songs live again?
The iconic artist Celine Dion has recently been diagnosed with a life-changing syndrome known as Stiff-Person Syndrome. This rare neurological disorder has caused Celine Dion to cancel upcoming tour dates following her diagnosis.
Does this mean Celine Dion will never perform her songs live again? What is Stiff-Person Syndrome? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Stiff-Person Syndrome?
Stiff-Person Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that only affects one or two out of every million people. The syndrome progressively stiffens your muscles over time. You can also experience extremely painful muscle spasms as a result. Spasms may occur randomly or can be triggered by a sudden noise or light physical contact.
In many cases, SPS begins slowly over several months or a few years. People may initially experience aching discomfort, stiffness, or pain, especially in the lower back or legs. According to RareDisease.org, “As the disease progresses, stiffness of the leg muscles develops, and is often more pronounced on one side than the other (asymmetrical). This leads to a slow, stiff manner of walking.”
“As stiffness increases, affected individuals may develop a hunched or slouched posture due to outward curving of the upper spine (kyphosis) or an arched back due to inward curving of the lower spine (hyperlordosis). In some individuals, stiffness may involve the arms or face.”
“The exact cause of SPS is not known. Some studies in the medical literature indicate that it may be an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders are caused when the body’s natural defenses (e.g., antibodies) against “foreign” or invading organisms begin to attack healthy tissue for unknown reasons.”
Health scare
Celine Dion announced that she postponed her European tour next year due to her recent diagnosis. “While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms that 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,” the 54-year-old singer said in an Instagram video. “I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better and my precious children who are supporting me and giving me help.”
“I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again but I have to admit it’s been a struggle. All I know is singing it’s what I’ve done all my life and it’s what I love to do the most.”
“I miss you so much. I miss seeing all of you being on the stage performing for you. I always give 100 percent when I do my show but my condition is now allowing me to give you that right now. For me to reach you again, I have no choice but to concentrate on my health at this moment, and I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery.”
After she told everyone about her health scare, Celine was greeted with tons of love, admiration, and respect from fans and fellow celebrities alike. A source told People, “Celine is overwhelmed and moved by the outpouring of love and support from her fans, it’s been a very difficult time and she has a hard road ahead of her, but she is doing everything she can to get back on stage and see her fans.”
What’s next?
It’s unlikely Celine Dion will release any more songs as of now, however, there’s hope we will see her on stage in the future. Fans everywhere love the opportunity to support Celine especially seeing her perform her greatest songs including “My Heart Will Go On”, “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now”, and “The Power of Love”.
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for SPS, however, there are treatments to slow down the syndrome’s progression. Hopefully it won’t be too long until Dion is performing her songs live again.
