Scoliosis & Genetics: Can 23andMe TESTING Provide Info About Scoliosis? (Part 1)

Scoliosis & Genetics: Can 23andMe TESTING Provide Info About Scoliosis?

I recently watched a video from Dr. Mark Morningstar who explained how there are underlying factors that cause scoliosis to happen, and that scoliosis treatment is about more than just treating the curve.  According to Dr. Morningstar there are gene variations involved with idiopathic scoliosis; specific genes that something can be done about from a functional medicine/therapy perspective.  

I recently ordered the 23andMe test kit to go through the process of finding out what my genetic information will tell me about my scoliosis.  When I receive my results from 23andMe I'll email the raw data file to Dr. Mark Morningstar who has about 28 genetic variants he will look at directly involved with scoliosis development.  He runs the raw data through his own software program to create a report (about 40 pages long) that will measure these genetic variants.  The higher the number of these genetic variants a patient has- the more likely they are to have a progressive form of scoliosis.  Patients can schedule a phone review to go over the report. 

23andMe has 2 testing options - one is $99, and the other $199.  You get the raw DNA data file no matter which test you buy, so you can get the cheaper one for this purpose.  They sometimes have discounts.  I was able to purchase my kit on sale for $69.99.  Then it's $99 for Dr. Mark Morningstar to generate his report and go over it with you.

I recorded the process from start to finish of me taking the 23andMe test; going through the steps and highlighting some of their terms if you're interested to see what's involved.

I'll do a Part 2 to share my experience with the remaining steps in this process.  I recently mailed my kit and am waiting to hear from 23andMe.

VIDEO

Going through the process of taking the 23andMe Testing

Dropping off my test at the post office.

VIDEO

Dr. Morningstar speaking about Scoliosis and Genetics

To learn about other testing and supplements available through ScoliSMART you can check out ScoliSMART Labs

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To learn about my scoliosis charity:

The Crooked Life Foundation

Also, I have a YouTube channel and blog called:
ScoliTalk which is interviews with scoliosis patients and doctors.  www.ScoliTalk.com

About Marce Kuhns:
I was diagnosed with scoliosis at 12 years old.  I tried wearing a hard plastic brace, but stopped due to the pain. I had no other treatment options other than to "watch and wait" to see what happened.  By my early twenties I was experiencing pain and had developed a noticeable postural deformity.  I was very self conscience, and did everything possible to hide my condition - never talking about it!  I visited several doctors throughout the years and was told it was best to just live with it.  This made me feel helpless and fearful for my future.  26 years after my diagnosis I found a rehab based treatment for scoliosis that changed my life!  It eliminated my pain, improved my postural deformity, reduced my curvature by 15 percent, gave me confidence, and eliminated my fear.  To make a statement that I would "Hide No More," I had my back painted and photographed.  This was a huge step for me! 

I began sharing my journey on facebook to spread hope and awareness The Crooked Life.  My pain became my passion! So much so that I left my job of 15 years to start working for the doctor who helped change my life to be apart of helping others with scoliosis.  In addition, my husband and I recently started a charity The Crooked Life Foundation to provide Scoliosis Activity Suits to patients who are unable to afford them.  Providing HOPE is my heart!