New Study Links Scoliosis and Brain Chemical Imbalances

December 22, 2014 - Grand Blanc, MI - A curvature of the spine, called scoliosis, affects approximately 3-5% of the adolescent population in the United States. It has long been thought of as purely an orthopedic disorder, until now. A new study published this month in the journal Alternative & Integrative Medicine shows that adolescent children with idiopathic scoliosis obtain better correction when treatment of certain brain chemical imbalances is combined with rehabilitation treatment. According to the study's lead researcher, Dr. Mark Morningstar, DC, PhD, of the ScoliSMART Clinic - Michigan, "We're beginning to realize that scoliosis is more of a neurological and hormonal condition that results in the spine curvature called scoliosis, rather than scoliosis simply being a musculoskeletal problem with genetic factors."

In the study, a group of children participated in a proprietary scoliosis exercise program for two weeks. Another group participated in the same program, but additionally received amino acid therapy to address a pattern of brain chemical imbalances - called neurotransmitters. When both groups followed up at 6 months, the group who received the brain chemical treatment maintained their scoliosis treatment results far better than the exercise-only group.

"Very little is understood at this point in time as to why some children do very well with exercise-based scoliosis treatment, while others fail all forms of scoliosis treatment, including bracing and surgery. Our hope is that we can find the missing pieces in how scoliosis develops, how it progresses rapidly in some children, and not at all in others. Identifying these hidden factors in scoliosis development will help lead us into the future of scoliosis treatment….prevention," says Morningstar.

Neurotransmitter testing involves a urine test that is covered by most insurances. Anyone wishing to be tested, or have their child tested, can visit www.treatingscoliosis.com and request a free test kit to be sent directly to them. For more information on the study, visit the publisher's website.