I just wanted to put my views across on an article I just got around to reading about a teenager who suffers with scoliosis who avoided back surgery (The Argus, January 28).

I found out I had scoliosis when I was 14 years old after noticing one of my hips sticking out more than the other. I went to the doctors and I was referred to Guys Hospital in London.

After travelling up to London and failed physiotherapy for two years it was decided I needed to have the operation (two titanium rods either side of my spine for it to fuse). My curve had gone from 30 degrees to 72 degrees and it was curving quickly.

I was told that unless I had this operation I would end up a hunchback in a wheelchair with a breathing mask on 24/7.

In your story, we did not get told the curvature of the teenager’s spine. I am not saying her back was not corrected by using non-surgical treatments but the curve may not have been as severe as others who need the operation.

I think, without putting all the facts in, it may delay young people from having the operation.

Curves of less than 15 degrees normally mean you won’t need an operation, only regular exercise to help, but it is recommended that people with more than 30-degree curves do have the operation or risk severe complications the older they get.

I had the operation seven years ago. When I found out I needed it, I thought it was the end of the world. I was 16 and thought my dream of modelling and being a normal teenager would be shattered. But, seven years on, apart from a little bit of back pain now and again, I wouldn’t even know I had the rods in my back. I am still modelling and I have an excellent posture.

My curve was corrected from 72 degrees to 15 and no one would even notice I had the rods in.

Yes it is a huge operation but there are positive stories and good outcomes.

Jessica Burchett, Prince Edward’s Road, Lewes