A BROMSGROVE teenager who thought he would have to have his spine fused in order to prevent serious damage to his heart and lungs, has spoken out about treatment which has given him his life back.

13-year-old Thomas Day, a keen cyclist and rower, was diagnosed with Hyper-Kyphosis, a severe twist in his spine, which, if left untreated, would lead to fatal heart and lung problems.

Thomas was warned to stop doing anything too strenuous and be very careful about putting pressure on his spine, while doctors waited for the curve to become so severe that the only option left would be to surgically insert metal rods on either side of the spine, before fusing his spine solid.

He and his family have said they were left devastated by the diagnosis, and Thomas, who was already in pain, lost much of his confidence in fear of causing himself further damage.

Losing faith in the NHS options for the condition, Thomas' mother looked into alternative treatments and discovered Scoliosis SOS, a private clinic in central London, founded and run by Erika Maude, who has a curve in her spine herself.

Thomas took a four-week course of treatment at the clinic and within weeks of completing his treatment , he was able to cycle for miles without getting out of breath for the first time in years, as well as being able to row again without suffering from shooting pains down his spine.

He said: “I just feel so relieved; there are not any words to describe how grateful I am to the SOS team. They worked so hard at getting my back sorted, 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 feel like a normal teenager again not some hunchback boy.

“I am still only in my early teens and the idea of being immobile and having to rely on other people was a thought too much to bear. I have recovered my social life with my friends and I am back on my bike and in my canoe and feeling stronger than ever.”