My name is Anna, and for Scoliosis Awareness Month 2023, I want to share my story.

I was first diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 9 years old. Throughout the next year, I had regular X-Rays, MRI scans, and appointments with a spinal consultant. However, the curvature in my spine developed rapidly, to 80 degrees. When I was 10 years old, I had have fusion surgery to insert 2 Titanium Rods and 18 screws into my back. Before surgery I had been dancing with my local dance school and loved it, but I was worried about the impact that having spinal surgery could have on my dancing.

My surgeon was amazing, and about 3 months after the operation, I started to return to dance. I slowly increased the amount of dancing I was doing per week. Since then, I have performed in many shows and competitions, both in a group and as a solo performer. I am so happy that I am still able to dance.

To anyone awaiting surgery or recovering from surgery I’d say to take it slowly and gently. The first exercise I did after surgery was gentle swimming, as this is a non-weight-bearing form of exercise therefore reducing the amount of pressure on the back, whilst increasing mobility and strength!

Fast forward to now, I am 17, and I am studying performing arts full-time at sixth form. I train in a variety of dance styles including Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz. The rods in my back do not bend, but I make my own adaptations to the movements when I need to, so it doesn’t at all stop me from participating. In March this year, I performed at the world’s biggest dance convention at ExCel London. Towards the end of this year, I will be auditioning for vocational dance colleges, where I am hoping to train after sixth form.

Although it was scary having a major operation aged 10, I am so glad I did. I don’t know where I’d be now if I hadn’t had it.