Latest news with #scoliosis
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Love Island star Gabby Allen reveals her fears of 'never being able to dance again' after she was diagnosed with scoliosis
Gabby Allen opened up on This Morning about her fears of 'never being able to dance again' after she was diagnosed with scoliosis. Thursday's instalment of the ITV programme saw co-hosts Craig Doyle and Rochelle Humes sit down with the Love Island star. Gabby spoke candidly about her scoliosis diagnosis and the concerns she had at just 11 years old. She revealed how during a family holiday, she was diving with her father and her parents noticed she seemed 'wonky'. Things then moved quickly and she shared, 'within a few months I was on the operating table'. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Gabby admitted her biggest fear at the time was over whether she would be able to dance. 'I think as a young girl, the scariest thing for me was that I was that I was never going to dance again,' she explained. 'I was like 'It doesn't matter about walking, I need to be able to dance' because that's what I wanted to do.' Before Gabby's operation her parents didn't tell her 'much information' about the risks because they 'didn't want to scare' her. She was on the operating table for 10 hours and her entire spine was fused 'from top to bottom'. The reality star revealed she had to learn how to walk again but within just a few months she was back to dancing. 'But within six months I was dancing, I won ballet competitions like nine months later so I think that's what built my resilience to be where I am now with strength training,' she said. Gabby's candid discussion about her scoliosis diagnosis comes just weeks after it was revealed she had split with Casey O'Gorman. The couple, who won the £50,000 cash prize during the final of the ITV show Love Island: All Stars in February, decided they are better off as friends. In a joint statement, the couple's reps told MailOnline: 'After much thoughtful consideration, Gabby and Casey have decided to go their separate ways romantically. 'This decision was mutual, and they both remain on good terms as friends with a shared respect for each other.' In an add-on statement, Gabby's rep said: 'Gabby is grateful for the memories they've created together and wishes Casey nothing but the best as they both move forward on their individual journeys. She's excited for what the future holds and appreciates.' What is scoliosis? Scoliosis is the abnormal curvature of the spine in an S-shape. Signs include a visible curve in the spine, one shoulder or hip being more prominent than the other, clothes not hanging properly and back pain. Pain usually only affects adults with the condition. In most cases, the cause of the scoliosis is not known but it can be caused by cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. In the UK, scoliosis affects three to four children could of every 1,000. It is also thought that as many as 70 per cent of over 65s have some degree of scoliosis. It is more common in women than in men. Most children with the condition do not require treatment as it is mild and corrects itself as the child grows. However, in severe cases the child may need to wear a back brace until they stop growing. Occasionally, a child needs surgery to straighten their spine. In adults, it is usually too late to treat the condition with a back brace or surgery so treatment revolves around reducing pain.
Associated Press
6 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Local Neurosurgeon Jeremy Denning Raises Awareness for National Scoliosis Month
PLANO, Texas, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month – an ideal time to explore causes and treatment methods for scoliosis, which affects approximately 7 million people in the United States, as reported by the National Scoliosis Foundation. 'Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally, often resembling an S or C shape when viewed from behind. This can lead to spinal or truncal imbalance and pain that may interfere with one's daily activities,' says Jeremy Denning, MD, a neurosurgeon with Dallas Neurosurgical & Spine and chief of the Neurosurgery Department at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano. 'Thankfully, early detection and tailored treatment plans can significantly improve quality of life.' Common scoliosis symptoms include visible symptoms – such as a visible curvature of the spine, uneven shoulders or a tilted pelvis. Other symptoms might include back pain, fatigue, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties and limited mobility. Dr. Denning recommends regular scoliosis screenings by a qualified healthcare professional for anyone who is experiencing symptoms or has high risk factors. 'Most patients are diagnosed during childhood growth spurts, so children around 10-14 years old are considered high risk. Adult cases are less common, but scoliosis can occur at any age, so if you're experiencing symptoms or have high risk factors, consult a healthcare provider,' explains Dr. Denning. 'The exact cause of scoliosis is frequently unknown, referred to as idiopathic scoliosis – but it can also arise from congenital spine defects, neuromuscular disorders or degenerative diseases.' A family history of scoliosis can increase risk, as can certain neuromuscular disorders. In addition, the National Scoliosis Foundation reports girls as being eight times more likely to develop more serious scoliosis cases, which are severe enough to require treatment. Not all cases require medical intervention, and treatment methods vary, depending on the severity of the condition. Treatment methods for mild and moderate cases include physical therapy and strengthening exercises and/or bracing. Bracing is used to prevent curve progression in growing children or adolescents. More severe cases may require surgery. 'We always explore nonsurgical treatments first. If those treatments are ineffective or the patient's condition worsens significantly, then we may recommend surgery,' notes Dr. Denning. 'Surgical options range from minimally invasive techniques to correct the curvature, such as vertebral tethering, to more extensive procedures like spinal fusion.' Dr. Denning adds that patients with mild to moderate scoliosis may find pain relief through at-home remedies such as strengthening and stretching exercises, posture awareness or heat therapy. A board-certified and fellowship-trained neurosurgeon, Dr. Denning has more than 20 years of experience treating patients. Dr. Denning's specialties include head injuries, scoliosis treatment, degenerative spine disease, tumor removal and pathology, disc treatment, reconstructive surgery, arthritis treatment and cerebrovascular surgery. Dr. Denning graduated with honors from Howard Payne University with dual degrees in biology and broadcast journalism. He graduated first in his class from medical school, earning his MD from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Dr. Denning completed his internship in general surgery and a residency in neurosurgery through Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. In addition, Dr. Denning completed a prestigious fellowship in complex and minimally invasive spine surgery at New York University Medical Center and a preceptorship in cerebrovascular surgery under Professor Juha Hernesniemi, one of the world's foremost authorities on the subject and the chairman of neurosurgery at Finland's Helsinki University Central Hospital, Töölö Hospital. Dallas Neurosurgical & Spine is the longest running, privately held neurosurgical group in North Texas, with more than 50 years of experience caring for patients. Located in Plano, Texas, the nationally renowned neurosurgical care center draws patients from all over the United States, treating approximately 6,000 patients per year. The practice's doctors are widely regarded for their exceptional skill, specialized training and patient-centered approach. For more information, visit Media Contact: Krista Simmons Bluebonnet Public Relations 682-225-9135 [email protected]
Irish Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Six years and several controversies in, the Government is losing its faith in CHI
In 2018, then minister for health Simon Harris issued a press statement expressing his delight at the passing through the Oireachtas of the Children's Health Bill, under which there would be a single statutory entity to run paediatric healthcare in the State – Children's Health Ireland (CHI). 'This is an extraordinary opportunity to transform paediatric services for children in Ireland and will improve the experience and outcomes for children and their families,' his statement said at the time. In January 2019, it assumed control of children's health services. But just over six years later, the controversies facing the body have continued to stack up – creating concerns that the experience and outcomes for children are not as good as they should be in some services. Many of the issues centre around the orthopaedic services. In 2017, concerns were raised about the length of time children with scoliosis and spina bifida were waiting for surgery. READ MORE It was pledged no child would wait four months for surgery by the end of that year. This promise has still not been met, and clinicians question the basis behind the four-month deadline. Then came concerns around the implantation of non-medical grade springs into three children with scoliosis and spina bifida. A report was commissioned and recently published by the Health Information Quality Authority (Hiqa), which found the springs were used without ethical approval, managerial approval or the informed consent of parents. It also highlighted governance issues in the hospital, stating a failure of controls meant 'children were not protected from the risk of harm'. Last week, an independent audit examining a three-year period was published which found 60 per cent of surgeries for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in Temple Street were not necessary, while 79 per cent of the procedures in National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh (NOHC) did not meet the clinical threshold for surgical intervention. [ Analysis: What's in the hip surgery audit and how much harm has been done? Opens in new window ] A further report, by UK expert Selvadurai Nayagam, is being conducted into paediatric orthopaedic surgery service at CHI Temple St, CHI Crumlin, the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Cappagh, and other relevant sites in Dublin following concerns around adverse outcomes. Most recently it emerged that an internal review at Crumlin hospital from 2021 found a consultant was allegedly referring public patients to his private clinics, which he runs separately. This, according to the Sunday Times, which first reported the findings of the review, delayed operations for sick children by up to three years, with the funding for some of these clinics coming from the National treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF), which seeks to reduce hospital waiting lists. This inquiry was not sent to any senior Department of Health officials nor senior HSE officials, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said, adding that the review raises 'very, very, very serious considerations for me'. Lucy Nugent took up the role as chief executive of CHI in January, and all of the issues that have emerged in recent months predate her start. Steps have also been taken to improve services; the body has accepted all findings and recommendations of the reports published to date, and are outlining plans of how they intend to enact these recommendations. But as all of this is happening, CHI is due to take over the new National Children's Hospital when it opens to patients next year. Ms Nugent expressed confidence last week at a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee that CHI would be able to commission the hospital once it is handed over to them. But given the hospital has already been beset by cost overruns and delays, it is no wonder concern abounds and serious consideration is being given about the way in which CHI will operate in the future.
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Princess Eugenie on her ‘badge of honour' after childhood surgery
Princess Eugenie visited the Salisbury District Hospital location of Horatio's Garden, a charity that creates gardens for spinal injury patients. During the visit, she reflected on her own spinal surgery at age 12 to correct scoliosis, recalling the physical and emotional challenges of her recovery. Eugenie emphasised the importance of not being ashamed of the experience, including the surgical scar, which her mother, Sarah Ferguson, helped her view as a "badge of honour." The princess often offers support to parents of children undergoing similar surgeries, providing encouragement and reassurance. Eugenie balances her charity work with her role at Hauser & Wirth gallery and motherhood, citing her family's influence, particularly her grandmother, the late Queen, for instilling a strong sense of duty.
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Princess Eugenie reflects on her scoliosis diagnosis and spinal surgery
Princess Eugenie has opened up about her childhood scoliosis surgery while visiting a hospital in support of patients with spinal injuries. The 35-year-old royal, a patron of Horatio's Garden, which creates peaceful garden spaces for spinal injury patients, visited the charity's Salisbury District Hospital location this week. 'Horatio's Garden's mission is to reach every spinal injuries unit in the UK. I'm happy to be on that journey with them. It needs to happen,' she told the Telegraph. Princess Eugenie - who is 12th in line to the throne - then reflected on her own surgery at age 12 and recalled her recovery at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, where she spent 10 days on her back after surgeons inserted titanium rods into her spine to correct curvature caused by scoliosis. 'I couldn't get out of bed or do anything for myself', she said, adding that she felt 'very embarrassed' ahead of the operation and later struggled with the emotional impact of post-surgery care. It was four months before she was able to return to school. She also spoke about the emotional impact of surgery, recalling how it was her mother, Sarah, Duchess of York, who helped her see her surgical scar as a 'badge of honour'. Eugenie said: 'She'd (Sarah) turn me around and say, 'my daughter is superhuman, you've got to check out her scar'.' At her 2018 wedding, Eugenie wore a dress that revealed her scar to raise awareness of scoliosis. Eugenie said she often received messages from anxious parents whose children are about to undergo spinal surgery, and she makes a point of offering encouragement and reassurance to help them through the experience. She added: 'I tell them not to feel ashamed, not just of the scar but of the whole experience; bed pans, the lot.' Now a working mother of two, Eugenie juggles charity work alongside her role at international gallery Hauser & Wirth and said she and sister Beatrice feel a strong sense of duty to help others because of guidance from their grandmother, the late Queen. She said: 'My mum always taught me that giving back to others is the most important thing in life. 'Bea and I feel very strongly about this. 'My grandmother's sense of duty was also instilled from a young age; we watched my parents, my granny and other family members working very hard.'
