A WOMAN with a 180-degree spine fold can finally walk upright again after undergoing life-changing surgery.
The mum-of-three was reportedly forced to support her own head with her hands after developing a reverse back curve 26 years ago.
AsiaWireA woman with a 180-degree spine fold can finally stand upright again[/caption]
The mum-of-three underwent life-changing surgery in Beijing, ChinaAsiaWire
She was diagnosed with severe scoliosis – when the spine twists, leans or curves to the side.
But the 37-year-old continued to battle severe walking difficulties, with her head almost touching her waist behind her.
It meant the unnamed patient, from the province of Guizhou, China, was just 3ft 9in (1.2metres) tall when standing.
Footage shows her Z-shaped body bent 180 degrees back and to the right.
In one of the recordings, she can be seen struggling to walk her children to school due to the gravity of her condition.
The woman, whose identity was not disclosed, told Chinese media: “I can’t see the road in front.
“I can only see a bit from the side.”
But fresh videos shared on social media show her standing upright after medics performed an operation to straighten her spine.
The woman is now 5ft 2in (1.6metres) tall, having gained an astonishing 1ft 5in (43cm).
Wang Yu, chief physician of the Orthopaedic Department at Beijing University Hospital, is understood to have carried out the surgery.
TikTok users were shocked at the unbelievable transformation.
One person said: “Thank you on behalf of this poor woman.
“Great doctor, you saved this woman’s world. Corrected the rest of her life.”
Another commented: “Pay tribute to the brave mother and give thumbs up to her.”
And a third wrote: “Dr Wang, may you live up to being 200 years old.”
AsiaWireAn X-ray of the woman’s spine before the operation[/caption]
AsiaWireThe 37-year-old following the procedure[/caption]
AsiaWireShe previously struggled to walk due to the severity of her condition[/caption]
The parent struggled to walk her children to school as she couldn’t see straight aheadAsiaWire
What is scoliosis?
SCOLIOSIS is where the spine twists and curves to the side.
While most common in children aged 10 to 15, it can happen to people of any age.
Signs of the condition include:
A visibly curved spine
Leaning to one side
Uneven shoulders
One shoulder or hip sticking out
Ribs sticking out to one side
Clothes not fitting well
Some people also experience back pain, though not everyone.
There are a variety of treatments available. The best option for you will depend on your age, how severe the curve is, and whether it’s likely to worsen.
Plaster casts, braces, surgery, painkillers, injections and exercises can all help.
Source: NHS