Alice Fevronia is taking part in this year’s Great British Bake Off after demonstrating her creativity in the kitchen. A geography teacher, Alice famously uses cakes in her lessons to demonstrate natural occurrences, from volcanic activity to coastal erosion. Her love of baking came about from some unusual circumstances however, as Alice revealed she spent her time making cakes while recovering from an operation when she was 15. The operation was on her back and treated a condition known as scoliosis.
Her love of baking came about from some unusual circumstances however, as Alice revealed she spent her time making cakes while recovering from an operation when she was 15
So what is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is where the spine twists and curves to the side, and it can affect people of any age.
According o the NHS, scoliosis doesn’t normally improve without treatment, but isn’t usually a sign of anything serious and treatment isn’t always needed if it’s mild.
The symptoms are listed as:
- A visibly curved spine
- Leaning to one side
- Uneven shoulders
- One shoulder or hip sticking out
- The ribs sticking out on one side
- Clothes not fitting well
Back pain can also occur, but this tends to be more common in adults.
The NHS advises you see a GP if you think you or your child has scoliosis.
The healthy body explains: “It’s unlikely that there’s anything seriously wrong, but it’s best to get checked out.
“Your GP will examine your back and can refer you to a hospital doctor for help with diagnosis if they suspect scoliosis.
“An X-ray of your back will be carried out in hospital to check whether your spine is curved and how severe the curve is.
“If you’re diagnosed with scoliosis, you should see a specialist to discuss treatment options.”
So how can scoliosis be treated?
A common scoliosis treatment, particularly for children, is wearing a specially fitted brace.
But casting or surgery may also be recommended, according to Bupa.
In terms casting, the health organisation explains: “An external, tailor-made spinach coast can help guide a child’s spine into a more normal position as they grow. It may at least stop the curve getting worse.”
And in terms of surgery it says: “The most common type of surgery is called spinal fusion.
“Metal implants and rods are connected to bones in your spine (vertebrae) to correct the curve. They hold the bones in place until the bones straighten and fuse (join) together.”
Another star whose suffered a back condition over the years is TV talk show host Michael Parkinson.
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