A MOTHER and daughter from York are rebuilding their lives after what is being hailed as a pioneering new treatment that could help many more sufferers of a serious spinal condition.

Sandra and Carina Rust, aged 42 and 14, share a passion for horse-riding, skiing, and other sports, so they were devastated to be told they were both suffering a condition which had plagued Sandra since she was a teenager.

Both were diagnosed by their GP as suffering from scoliosis, which causes the spine to excessively curve sideways. They were told if their curves continued to deteriorate they may need to undergo an operation to have spinal implants fitted.

Retired nurse Sandra, from Hawthorne Grove, Heworth, had always struggled with her back but blamed her difficulties lifting patients on lack of exercise.

Carina lost all her confidence and found concentrating at sixth form extremely difficult. Sandra decided to take early retirement as she was in too much pain to carry out her duties.

Sandra opted for alternative treatments, which provided some relief. Then they contacted the London based Scoliosis SOS in the hope of finding a cure.

Founded and run by Erika Maude, who has scoliosis herself, the clinic opened seven years ago and claims to have brought relief to hundreds of sufferers using a unique brand of exercise-based treatments.

Sandra has been taken off the waiting list for surgery and mother and daughter have recovered enough to return to horse riding and skiing.

Mrs Rust said:”Being told that you have a serious spinal deformity is life changing and very traumatic. It is even worse when you have a daughter that is diagnosed with the same condition at exactly the same time.

“At my age going through spinal fusion surgery was just not an option. I was desperate to find an alternative not just for me but for my daughter as well.

“For the first time in years I am pain-free and I have learned a set of very simple exercises which will enable me to remain in control of my condition..”

However, while the treatment appears to have succeeded for Sandra and Carina, the British Scoliosis Society is warning each case is different and advises sufferers to be guided by their GPs.

A spokesman said: “There are many different types and causes of scoliosis. Advice is best after discussion with a knowledgeable Health care professional. This reduces uncertainty regarding diagnosis and what might happen in the future.”