A TEENAGE girl is dancing her way to a career on the stage months after being diagnosed with a crippling spine condition.

Doctors told Imogen Koole's family it was the worst case of scoliosis they had ever seen.

The condition causes a severe curvature of the spine and severe pain and can lead to fatal heart and lung problems if left untreated.

Medics told the family her only hope was a risky 10-hour operation to fuse the spine from top to bottom.

The 14-year-old, from Bearsden, had all but given up hope of pursuing a dancing career.

However, Imogen has now set her sights firmly back on a career in musical theatre after undergoing a non-surgical treatment at the only clinic of its kind for scoliosis sufferers.

Imogen, says she feels "reborn" after undergoing just four weeks of a special exercise programme at the Scoliosis clinic, based in London.

She said: "I have always been so passionate about dance, but when I started getting pain down my back, it was really hard to stay motivated.

Since attending the classes, Imogen said: "My back looks amazing and I have my energy back.

"I am still very determined to make it as a professional dancer.

"The only advice I would give to other girls with scoliosis is to have a look at other treatment methods."

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk