At BackGenius, we take pride in grounding our protocols, products, and technology in published clinical research. Our approach to scoliosis treatment is rooted in measurable outcomes, objective biomarkers, and peer-reviewed science—because your patients deserve more than guesswork.
This page compiles the growing body of evidence supporting the tools and tests we offer our providers. Whether it’s neurotransmitter profiling, hormone panels, or our patented Scoliosis Activity Suit, each component of the BackGenius system is informed by clinical results and research—many of which are published by our founder, Dr. Mark Morningstar, DC, PhD.
These papers explain the ‘why’ behind BackGenius:
- Morningstar, MW. A Multi-Factorial Perspective on Idiopathic Scoliosis: Beyond Orthopedics. Medical Research Archives, 2024; 12:11. [Link to study]
- Morningstar M. Applying the Functional Medicine Model to Idiopathic Scoliosis Management: A Narrative Mini-Review. J Complement Med Alt Healthcare. 2023; 12(1): 555828. [Link to study]
Key Areas of Evidence-Based Support
Neurotransmitter Testing
Functional neurotransmitter imbalance has been associated with postural regulation and curve progression in idiopathic scoliosis. BackGenius providers use neurotransmitter testing to identify neuromotor dysregulation and personalize treatment plans accordingly.
Relevant Studies:
- Morningstar, M. , Stitzel, C. , Dovorany, B. and Siddiqui, A. (2018) Association between Urinary Neurotransmitter Status and Scoliosis Progression: A Case-Controlled Series. Open Journal of Clinical Diagnostics, 8, 17-24. [Link to study]
- Morningstar M. Neurotransmitter Status and Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Commentary on Pathways, Testing, Clinical Utility and Treatment. Curr Pediatr Res 2016;19;3. [Link to study]
- Morningstar MW, Siddiqui A, Dovorany B, Stitzel CJ (2014) Can Neurotransmitter Status Affect the Results of Exercise-Based Scoliosis Treatment? Results of a Controlled Comparative Chart Review. Altern Integr Med 3: 177. [Link to study]
Hormone Testing
Hormonal influences on scoliosis—particularly involving estrogen, progesterone, and stress hormones—have been increasingly recognized. BackGenius integrates salivary hormone testing to detect disruptions that may contribute to curve progression and treatment resistance.
Relevant Studies:
Morningstar, M. W., & DuRussel, B. (2024). Differences in Pubertal Curve Progression among Females with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Using Pregnenolone Therapy: A Retrospective Case-Controlled Series. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(3), 788. [Link to study]
Morningstar, M. W., & Strauchman, M. N. (2022). Salivary Progesterone Levels in Female Patients with a History of Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study. Clinics and Practice, 12(3), 326-332. [Link to study]
The Scoliosis Activity Suit (SAS)
The patented Scoliosis Activity Suit is a central piece of the BackGenius suite of treatment products, designed to retrain neuromuscular coordination and improve postural reflexes in patients with scoliosis.
Relevant Studies:
- Morningstar, M. (2023) Pain and Radiographic Changes in Adult Scoliosis Patients Using a Scoliosis Activity Suit: Case-Controlled 10-Year Follow-Up Results. Open Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 11, 158-170. [Link to Study]
- Morningstar, M.W. (2018) Resolution of Amenorrhea and Chronic Constipation in an Adult Patient with Idiopathic Scoliosis Wearing a Scoliosis Activity Suit for 6 Months: A Case Report. Open Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 6, 76-84. [Link to study]
- Morningstar, M. , Dovorany, B. , Stitzel, C. and Siddiqui, A. (2016) Radiographic, Pain, and Functional Outcomes in an Adult Post-Fusion Patient Using a Scoliosis Activity Suit: Comparative Results after 8 Months. International Journal of Clinical Medicine, 7, 265-269. [Link to study]
- Morningstar MW. Early intervention versus standard of care for mild idiopathic scoliosis: A case-controlled series based on SOSORT criteria evaluating the impact of a scoliosis activity suit. Clin Pract. 2020 May 14;10(1):1251. [Link to study]
Genetic & Epigenetic Testing
BackGenius incorporates third-party genomic and epigenetic panels to help providers understand patient-specific risk factors. These insights can guide early interventions and reduce the likelihood of curve progression.
Relevant Studies:
- Morningstar, M. , Strauchman, M. , Stitzel, C. , Dovorany, B. and Siddiqui, A. (2018) Catechol-O-Methyl Transferase (COMT) Enzyme Gene Variations in Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Clinical Chart Review. Open Journal of Genetics, 8, 35-41. [Link to study]
- Morningstar, M. , Strauchman, M. , J. Stitzel, C. , Dovorany, B. and Siddiqui, A. (2017) Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Gene Mutations in Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Clinical Chart Review. Open Journal of Genetics, 7, 62-67. [Link to study]
- Wright J, Kekic A, Vincent A, Lacanlale JK, Melik RE, Matey E, Morningstar M. COMT and MTHFR Genetic Variants Combined Effects on Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Progression. J Genomics. 2025 Jan 1;13:1-5. [Link to study]
- Morningstar, MW, Stitzel CJ, Strauchman M. Functional genomic variant patterns in Caucasian patients diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis: a controlled, observational study. Medical Research Archives, 2019; 7:9. [Link to study]
BackGenius Supplements
Morningstar, M. , Strauchman, M. and Fleischmann, G. (2016) Changes in Urinary Bone Resorption Marker after Taking a Combination Nutrient Formula in Adults with Scoliosis: A Retrospective, Open-Label, Case-Controlled Series. Open Journal of Internal Medicine, 6, 6-10. [Link to study]
Morningstar MW, Strauchman M, Fleischmann G (2015) Controlled Release Curcumin for the Treatment of Pain Related to Adult Degenerative Scoliosis: A Retrospective, Open-Label, Case-Controlled Series. J Pain Relief 4:192. [Link to study]