Teenager battles back - The Evesham Observer

Teenager battles back

Evesham Editorial 16th May, 2014 Updated: 20th Oct, 2016   0

A CYCLING enthusiast, whose life was left in pieces when he discovered he suffered from a serious condition, has said he is thrilled to be back on track after undergoing life-changing treatment.

Evesham teenager Joshua Baker loved cycling regularly until he was told a curve in his back, which he thought was normal, was actually a severe spinal twist which could potentially cause serious internal problems.

But after months of despair and worrying, major surgery by a unique London clinic now means the 17-year-old can cycle once again – ending fears he would of been immobile for the rest of his life.

Joshua was left devastated when he was diagnosed with Hyper-Kyphosis and faced the prospect of having his spine fused solid from top to bottom.




Hyper-Kyphosis causes the spine to excessively curve forwards and affects a vast percentage of people. Left untreated it can lead to fatal heart and lung problems.

For months Joshua waited on the NHS list to see a specialist consultant before he was told the only cure was to undergo a major and risky operation which involved metal rods being inserted either side of the spine.


Frustrated by the lack of options, he decided to look at alternative treatments and later discovered Scoliosis SOS.

Run by Erika Maude, who has a curve in her spine, the clinic has brought relief to hundreds of sufferers of both Hyper-Kyphosis and Scoliosis.

After finding the unique clinic, Joshua’s family decided the treatment was the answer they were looking for.

And within weeks of enrolling on a four-week treatment course, Joshua’s pain started to ease.

After completing the treatment Joshua was able to cycle for miles without getting out of breath for the first time in years and could finally stop worrying about his back.

A relieved Joshua said: “I just feel so relieved, there are not any words to describe how grateful I am to the SOS team.

“I don’t think I was a very easy case but they have made such a difference to my life. I no longer look like I am tilted forward and likely to fall over at any point.

“I’m still only in my teens and the idea of being immobile and having to rely on other people was a thought too much to bear.

“If I hadn’t had the treatment I would have been facing surgery in the coming months and be looking at spending the next six months practically bed-bound.

“I have recovered my social life and I am back on my bike and feeling stronger than ever.”

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Evesham Observer.

Subscribe

Receive a weekly update to your inbox by signing up to our weekly newsletter.

Advertising

Advertise with the Evesham Observer to reach your audience