Scoliosis World w/ Dr Morningstar

In Part 1 of our hormone series, we explore how hormonal balance influences inflammation, metabolism, and overall musculoskeletal health. Many patients do not realize how much external hormonal inputs can affect long-term wellness and how these factors interact with scoliosis risk.In this episode, we cover:• How birth control pills can contribute to inflammation• The differences between synthetic hormones and the hormones produced naturally by the body• Research showing that certain synthetic hormones may be associated with increased cancer risk (contextual discussion, not individualized medical advice)• Glyphosate as an environmental compound with estrogen-mimicking properties• How birth control pills may provide symptom relief while potentially suppressing natural hormone production• Why most children diagnosed with scoliosis have low body fat• Why having low adipose tissue does not rule out metabolic or insulin-related problemsThis episode sets the foundation for understanding how the endocrine system, metabolism, and environmental influences work together to shape long-term health outcomes.

Spinal flexibility is one of the most important factors in predicting scoliosis outcomes. It not only influences how much curve correction might be possible but also helps determine whether specific treatment approaches are worth pursuing.In this episode, we discuss:• How spinal flexibility helps set expectations for achievable improvement• Why treatment intensity should match the likelihood of meaningful results• How lying-down x-rays provide a clearer picture of true flexibility• Why these specialized x-rays often need to be taken at specific imaging centers• How Back Genius tools help identify whether bracing is likely to work or whether a patient may need other corrective strategies• How a history of bracing can sometimes negatively impact surgical outcomes• How Back Genius conservative programs may improve flexibility prior to surgery (potentially improving the results of surgical intervention)Understanding flexibility early allows patients and families to make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary or ineffective treatment paths.

Scoliosis is commonly viewed as a structural issue of the spine, but the visible curve is often the final expression of deeper, systemic factors. In this episode, we focus on genomics and how it shapes both the likelihood of developing a curve and the way the body responds to treatment. We discuss how: Scoliosis is not primarily a spine problem (the curvature is the last thing that shows up)A collection of genetic variants can increase the likelihood of curve development during rapid growthMelatonin and serotonin pathways play a role in both postural reflex control and bone modulationGenomic patterns help explain why two people with the same curve type often respond very differently to braces, exercise, therapy, or surgeryLong-term correction requires addressing the underlying reasons the curve formed, not just the visible structure  Genomics allows us to evaluate predetermined risk, personalize treatment strategies, and understand the origin of the curve rather than only managing its appearance.

• How insulin resistance fuels whole-body inflammation and joint pain• Why it’s a major metabolic factor in scoliosis patients• How constant food availability disrupts your hormonal balance• The surprising way insulin drives fat storage and even stores your hormones inside fat cells• Practical ways to start restoring metabolic health and reducing pain

🧠 What you’ll learn in this episode:Why facial asymmetry may act as a rate-limiting factor in scoliosis progressionHow new studies are redefining scoliosis as a whole-body condition, not just a spinal issueThe critical role of systematic reviews, the gold standard of clinical researchThe shared relationships between genetic, hormonal, neuromuscular, and immune pathwaysWhy some of the most promising treatments fall outside the conventional scope of spinal medicine 

In this episode of Scoliosis World, Dr. Morningstar from BackGenius explores one of the most debated topics in scoliosis care: bracing. He breaks down the critical difference between bracing to hold the current posture versus bracing to actively correct it, and discusses how wear-time—whether 18 hours a day or nighttime-only—can impact long-term outcomes. Whether you’re a patient, parent, or clinician, this episode offers valuable insights into how bracing decisions are made and what truly influences success. 🔗 Learn more at BackGenius.com

In this powerful episode of Scoliosis World, Dr. Morningstar shares:✅ Real data about surgery risks no one talks about✅ Alternative treatments including hyperbaric oxygen therapy✅ A personal story of hope that will change how you think about scoliosis care 💬 “This isn’t just another diagnosis. This is a life-and-death decision—and we can do better.”👀 Listen. Share. Help us raise awareness for the families who feel like they have no voice.📞 Contact us anytime at mmorningstar@backgenius.com or visit www.treatingscoliosis.com for help.

You’ll learn: ✔️ Why kids with scoliosis often have low bone density ✔️ The role of Vitamin D deficiency in scoliosis progression✔️ How Vitamin D affects dopamine and norepinephrine levels✔️ The difference between Vitamin K1 vs. K2, and why K2 matters✔️ Ideal supplement levels and safe dosing ranges✔️ What recent data says about cancer risk, bone health, and cardiovascular benefits of D3 + K2 Dr. Morningstar pulls from peer-reviewed studies and his clinical experience at ScoliSMART Clinics to offer actionable insights backed by data.⸻ 📌 Resources Mentioned: – European Spine Journal (2008) – Asian Spine Journal (2018) – Journal of Medicine and Life (2020) – Nutrients Journal (2020, 2023) – Clinical Nutrition (2024) – Systematic reviews & meta-analyses on osteoporosis and cancer prevention⸻ 👨‍⚕️ Hosted by: Dr. Mark Morningstar 📍 Founder, Back Genius & ScoliSMART Clinics (Michigan)

Living with scoliosis goes beyond physical challenges—it can also have a significant impact on mental health. In Episode #21 of Scoliosis World, Dr. Morningstar explores neurotransmitters and the emotional and psychological effects of scoliosis. If you or a loved one are navigating the challenges of scoliosis, this episode offers valuable insights and expert advice to help you build resilience and maintain a positive mindset. #ScoliosisWorld #DrMorningstar #ScoliosisSupport #MentalHealth #SpinalHealth #ChronicPain #ScoliosisAwareness

Welcome to Scoliosis World, the podcast dedicated to all things scoliosis! In this episode, Dr. Morningstar, a chiropractor specializing in scoliosis treatment, sits down with his business partner and fellow scoliosis expert, Dr. Stitzel. Together, they discuss the emergence of disruptive technologies. Whether you’re a patient, parent, or healthcare professional, this conversation is packed with valuable insights on managing and improving scoliosis naturally. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay updated on future episodes of Scoliosis World! (810) 694-3576 scoliosispractice.com #ScoliosisWorld #ChiropracticCare #ScoliosisTreatment #SpinalHealth

Part of the cholesterol pathwayEvery hormone in our body is made from cholesterolLowering cholesterol can be taken too far, to the point that a person cannot make hormones, leading to premature aging and neurodegenerative diseasesYour brain runs on cholesterolPregnenolone is one of the first byproducts of cholesterol metabolismCholesterol rises in the winter monthsPregnenolone converts into progesterone and DHEA; both importantProgesterone is implicated in scoliosisFemales with scoliosis have about half of the available progesterone that those without scoliosis have

- The incident of D3 insufficiency and deficiency is elevated in scoliosis patients- Met analyses are the gold standard of studies- It’s mostly people who are ill to begin with who have their vitamin D levels checked, and that influences what’s considered the normal level- Studies suggest a positive correlation between Vitamin D levels above 70 and being cancer-protective- Addressing bone density loss is critical in achieving success when addressing scoliosis- Most women require a vitamin D level of 90 or higher to address bone density issues- Vitamin D toxicity is difficult to ascertain- Vitamins D varies with the seasons; best to get a baseline at summer and winter- Vitamin D and K2 both have half lives which mean you don’t have to take them everyday #scoliosistreatment #scoliosis

Links to referenced articles: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36892518/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35999823/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19646383/ Ballet, gymnastics, and volleyball tend to have more children and young adults with progressive curves #scoliosis #backgenius

Historically, scoliosis treatment is based on the curve measurementThe curve measurement is not the only thing effecting quality of life issues and pain levelsGiven that, why do anything based on the curve measurement alone?At ScoliSMART, we treat patients based upon a “risk assessment”Example: Younger children with the same degree curve as older children need to have more aggressive treatment because they have more growth ahead of themWhat we see on an x-ray that we call scoliosis is not really the entire condition, It is the end-stage cascade of things going wrong in scoliosisWe seek lasting-outcomes and to prevent anything from sabotaging thatWe assess biochemical and genomic risk factorsTreatments are tailored to the individual

What is scoliosis bootcamp?What does bootcamp entail? The Michigan office has had patients from 11 countries & 32 statesBootcamp is for patients with scoliosis, either children or adultsBootcamp Day 1 consists of formulating a custom, patient-specific physical therapy routineThe patient spends the remainder of the week mastering that routineDivided between 1/2 prehab/rehab and 1/2 warm down1 - 2 weeks longLimited to 4 patients per week  

Scoliosis patients have lower bone density in general than their non-scoliosis peersBone density is related to vitamin D levelsThe average level of vitamin D in patients with idiopathic scoliosis is 24 nanogramsThe labs consider >30 nanograms to be normal, but the healthy range is really >50 nanograms

Menopause leads to bone density declineMenopause is an isolated life-stage where women go through a lot of hormone changesMen experience andropausePerimenopause is a more accurate termThe process can take ten yearsThere is a difference between what is normal and what is common

Getting together around the holidays & eating too much can aggravate the back pain of someone with scoliosisThe chief impact of scoliosis in adults is musculoskeletal painExtra stress & leverage on the spine generates painBack muscles are anti-gravity muscles, which spasm when fatigued and cause painImproving the curve or vertical balance will relieve pain Metabolic aspects can dramatically increase pain via an inflammation responseDr. Morningstar lists these metabolic aspects & how to tackle them1lb of body weight = 3 lbs of force on your joints

People often consider the impacts of hormonal imbalance on reproductionThe impact on mood & sleep should be front & centerFor scoliosis patients, the accompanying hormone imbalances will influence the behavior of children & adults alikeEstrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, & metabolic pathwaysDiscusses options for restoring normal physiology

Scoliosis is a whole condition, not just a curvature40 years of research has evolved our understanding of scoliosis, some as far back as the 1980sScoliSMART has internal research, but a large amount of research is already published externallyThe curvature is the predominate symptom of a much bigger pictureSerotonin and melatonin levels play a role is scoliosis