EP 441 | Scoliosis Is More Than A Curve...Why Chiropractors Need To Look Beyond The X-Ray with Dr. Clayton Stitzel
What if treating scoliosis isn't just about treating the curve?
In this episode of The Chiropractic Philanthropist Revival Series, Dr. Ed Osburn sits down with Dr. Clayton Stitzel, a chiropractor and scoliosis specialist, for a deep conversation about scoliosis, genetics, neurotransmitters, hormones, rehabilitation, chiropractic care, and the future of personalized scoliosis treatment.
Dr. Clayton has a biomechanics degree from Penn State University and graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport approximately 24 years ago. His interest in scoliosis began as a personal mission and eventually developed into a dedicated focus on understanding and treating the condition. 441 - Dr. Clayton Stitzel Trans…
Clayton explains why he believes scoliosis needs to be understood as more than a spinal curvature visible on an X-ray. His approach looks at genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter patterns, hormone factors, and other variables that may help identify which patients are more likely to experience curve progression. 441 - Dr. Clayton Stitzel Trans…
Ed and Clayton discuss why imaging alone may not tell the complete story. Two patients with the same Cobb angle can have very different progression risks, which is why Clayton has focused on combining imaging with genetic, hormone, and neurotransmitter information to personalize care. 441 - Dr. Clayton Stitzel Trans…
The conversation also explores Clayton's scoliosis-specific treatment model, including rehabilitation, chiropractic adjustments, home exercises, genetic testing, and the ScoliSmart Activity Suit.
Clayton also shares why he believes the future of scoliosis care will involve even more data, genetic testing, and AI—and why chiropractors have an opportunity to become an earlier point of care for families dealing with scoliosis. 441 - Dr. Clayton Stitzel Trans…
In this episode:
- Why scoliosis is more complicated than a curve on an X-ray
- The problem with defining scoliosis only by degrees of curvature
- Why two patients with the same Cobb angle may have different progression risks
- The genetic factors Clayton has identified in scoliosis
- The role of neurotransmitters and hormones in curve progression
- Why personalized scoliosis care matters
- How genetic variant testing is being used in scoliosis evaluation
- How genetics and environmental factors can interact
- Why imaging alone isn't predictive of progression
- Moving from a reactive approach to a proactive approach
- Why Clayton transitioned into a scoliosis-only practice
- How chiropractors can recognize and support scoliosis patients
- When a chiropractor may want to refer a progressive case
- Clayton's five-day and 10-day scoliosis boot camp models
- The role of chiropractic adjustments in rehabilitation
- Why creating a new posture memory requires continued rehabilitation
- How post-treatment X-rays are used to evaluate training effects
- Why treatment needs to be personalized for each patient
- The importance of learning from failure and challenging existing assumptions
- Why scoliosis care needs better ideas, not simply better versions of existing approaches
- How AI could change genetic analysis and scoliosis care
- The potential of large genetic datasets to identify progression patterns
- The future of genetic screening for children with scoliosis
- Why chiropractors could become an early point of care for scoliosis
- The ScoliSmart Activity Suit and how it is designed to support spinal derotation
- The importance of helping patients develop better movement and posture patterns
- The role of ongoing rehabilitation after an intensive program
- Why chiropractors need to keep learning and expanding their knowledge
- Clayton's advice for young chiropractors
- The importance of treating the person rather than simply treating the X-ray
- Why persistence and the willingness to fail are critical to innovation
Clayton's core message is simple:
Scoliosis is more than a curve. The more we understand the individual patient, the better we can personalize the care and identify who needs more support.
CONNECT WITH DR. CLAYTON STITZEL
Scoliosis Doctor
Genetic, hormone, and neurotransmitter testing resources discussed in the episode:
Clayton explains that the testing services are available online, with reports provided to the doctor and/or patient. 441 - Dr. Clayton Stitzel Trans…
Treating Scoliosis
Learn more about Clayton's scoliosis boot camp program and treatment resources:
https://treatingscoliosis.com 441 - Dr. Clayton Stitzel Trans…
Back Genius
Clayton recommends Back Genius, operated by Dr. Mark Morningstar, for doctors who want to learn more about scoliosis testing and related training:
https://backgenius.com 441 - Dr. Clayton Stitzel Trans…
Email Dr. Clayton Stitzel
drstitzel@scolismart.com 441 - Dr. Clayton Stitzel Trans…
RESOURCE MENTIONED
Decoding Scoliosis
Dr. Clayton Stitzel's book exploring the epigenetics of scoliosis and the relationship between genetic variant patterns and environmental factors.
Available on Amazon. 441 - Dr. Clayton Stitzel Trans…
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