A teenager whose spine became so twisted she was told she would never be able to stand straight again is back in her beloved dancing shoes.
Emma Black was devastated when she was diagnosed with a severe curve in her spine and told she needed surgery to save her mobility.
However, just months on, the 13-year-old has returned to dance classes thanks to an innovative exercise routine.
Emma, who lives in Glenrothes and is home-taught, was a fit and active 12-year-old before she learned she had the condition scoliosis, which causes the spine to curve excessively sideways and, in extreme cases, can be fatal.
Alarm bells rang when Emma started suffering severe shooting pains down one side of her back and struggled to keep up with friends in her dance class.
Worried mum Kate, who had noticed one of Emma’s shoulder blades protruding, made an appointment with the family GP who made the shock diagnosis.
Emma said: “I was so upset when I was told about my spine. I had always loved dancing and I was getting really good, practising up to four times a week. “When I was told that the dancing and certain movements would put more pressure on my spine and it was something I should consider giving up, I was devastated.”
Emma was told she would be referred to a specialist, but it was likely to be three months before she would get an appointment.
In the meantime, the family embarked on their own research into scoliosis and discovered the progressive condition needed to be treated quickly to prevent further damage.
They found the Scoliosis SOS clinic in London, which offers non-surgical treatment.
According to the clinic, the operation for scoliosis sufferers is an incredibly risky procedure, which involves metal rods being inserted either side of the spine before the spine is fused solid.
Emma was determined to avoid surgery and began a four-week treatment course, involving exercises which strengthened the muscles around her spine.
Kate said: “Emma changed literally overnight. She had become so deflated and depressed from the diagnosis. I saw her confident, happy personality drain away.
“As soon as she started treatment and met other girls with the same condition she started to bounce back. If she had have ended up having surgery it would have been my worst nightmare.”
Within weeks, Emma’s condition had improved and her pain disappeared and now she is preparing for dance competitions.
She said: “I am so relieved to get back to what I love. Dancing and performing are my life. I am so glad I found these exercises they really have completely turned my life around.”