Our daughter Caitlyn was10 when she twisted her ankle. We took her to the Podiatrist and we found out after an extensive visit that she had a very serious case of scoliosis. She was referred to an orthopedic doctor at Akron Children's Hospital. At the initial exam it was determined that her thoracic curve was 54 degrees and the lumbar curve was 32. She was in two different provident back braces at night for almost 5 years. Her curves continued to worsen. She was then scheduled for back surgery at Akron Children's Hospital and three different times the surgery was cancelled due to asthma weakening her body. We were told she would have to wait until her body was healthy enough to be able to schedule the surgery again. She struggled with poor health for the next 5 years. In July 2011 Caitlyn had a severe asthma attack that left her heart and lungs in a weakened condition. After two weeks of medication and asthma treatment we were told we would have to consider the back surgery again because the curves had worsened to 78 thoracic and 54 lumbar. Not knowing what to do because of the extreme high risk of surgery, we turned to our family chiropractor. He said he never recommends surgery but this case looked like it would warrant it. We were at a loss and did not feel surgery was the answer. After days spent in prayer for guidance we searched the internet for non-surgical methods of scoliosis treatment. We found many but few made sense. We found a video of a girl on youtube that was treated with the C.L.E.A.R. Method with very astonishing results. I took the video into our Chiropractor who advised us that there were many methods out. Many were really bogus and were there to take your money. He said he would take a look at the video for us. At the very next visit he told us that the C.L.E.A.R. Method was the real deal and we should get her to the nearest treatment center as soon as possible. The closest center to us was Lancaster Spinal Health Center in Lititz PA with Dr. Clayton Stitzel. We called the center and scheduled a phone consultation with our doctor and Dr. Stitzel. We then made our appointment for a two week intensive treatment. We travelled for 6 1/2 hours to get to Lititz. Upon arrival we found the staff and Dr. Stitzel very professional and welcoming! The first week we saw amazing results. The very first night in the hotel Caitlyn experienced no pain in her back and head. This was awesome since she had been in extreme pain over the last few years to the point she rarely went to bed without a headache or back pain. She had discomfort but no real pain. We were truly praising God! By the end of the week I could feel her shoulder blade which had been pressed so tight to her back you could not see it let alone feel it. We continued on through the next week just to receive more improvement. Her thoracic curve was reduced to 54 and her lumbar to 32. That wasn't the best news; her head tilt was almost gone. Her self-esteem was greatly improved. When we got home after the second week our daughter-in-law noticed something we hadn't. She said Caitlyn looked taller and straighter. We wanted to confirm what we were seeing so we measured her, not once but several times. She was indeed 2 inches taller. When we returned to church that week we were stopped by so many people who could not believe the physical difference in Caitlyn. She was walking so straight and no head tilt. She continued her treatment at home with a traction chair, specialized exercises and equipment. She was very faithful at her daily routine and returned to the Lancaster Spinal Clinic in March of 2012 and had retained the progress she had made. In September of 2012 she returned to the clinic for the third time only to see some slight regression. We attributed the loss to the fact she had a few setbacks in her health that made doing her treatment at home very difficult. She was due back at the clinic in March 2013 and we are working to make that happen. I can't say enough about Dr. Stitzel, his staff and the C.L.E.A.R. Method. Our family Chiropractor told us he felt Dr. Stitzel literally saved Caitlyn's life. Her neck was near collapse which would have led to paralysis or death. If anyone would like to see her x-rays or medical results please see contact me and I will share her caringbridge page. We would love to share with you. If we can keep any person from having an unnecessary surgery it would truly be a blessing. What do you have to lose trying the method? Surgery is PERMANENT, irreversible, costly, and limiting. Most read more

I am a 56 year old female who has idiopathic scoliosis. I have never had surgery or bracing but my S curve progressed from 20 degrees to 43 degrees the past few years - primarily during menopause. I have never really had pain until the past 5 years at which time the pain has been significant to the point of affecting my functional ability. I also happen to be a Doctor of Physical Therapy. I have practiced Physical Therapy for 33 years, focusing on patients with spinal pain as well as chronic pain. I have taught Back School at Duke Medical Center as well as for Alpha Natural Resources. I ran a successful outpatient Physical Therapy clinic until 4 years ago. One of the reasons I made the decision to sell my practice was simply because of my spinal pain and muscular spasms. Needless to say I am very accustomed to working with orthopedists as well as neurosurgeons. I felt like I had worked extensively on my back strength, mobility and pain. Up to the point where I was spending 4 hours a day exercising utilizing therapeutic stretching techniques, scolio-pilates, yoga, myofascial release, dry needling for hip pain, massage, electrical stimulation, ultrasound for buttock pain, SI joint stability exercises, postural awareness, postural supports and inversion tables. I received consultations from specialists I would consider top in their field at highly ranked teaching hospitals. However, my pain was still affecting my functional ability. So, I decided to continue searching for answers reading multiple stacks of literature regarding scoliosis treatment, as well as internet research when I stumbled across the ScoliSmart clinics. Everything I read and learned about this approach made sense to me. So, despite the "you can try it but it's probably a waste of money" attitude from my orthopedist I decided to participate in this clinic. I did not have referred pain into my leg consistently so the orthopedist had no other suggestions for me other than to perform surgery once this occurred. I had a phone consultation with Dr. Clayton Stitzel who made no promises regarding changing my curve but he did discuss treatment theories which I felt were worth a try. I really feel that Dr. Stitzel is very intelligent regarding bio kinetics and the actual mechanics of the spine. He is a chiropractor but he also has a degree in bio kinetics. After I completed the Boot Camp Session at the ScolioSmart Clinic I am happy to report that my pain is 95% improved. I can do things like turn over in the bed, get out of the bed, get off the toilet, get out of the car, bend over to put my shoes on, walk, and clean house pain free. It has totally amazed me and exceeded all of my expectations. I cannot say enough positive remarks about this treatment process. I really feel that they are on the right path and implementing accurate theories regarding stimulating the intrinsic muscle firing process in a scoliotic spine. My curve did decrease 13 degrees, BUT most importantly my pain and function which equate to quality of life has improved. Clinically, I look better in regard to my posture, I feel better, and I function better. For me, it was a life saver and I am so glad I stepped outside the box, and beyond the traditional solution for patients my age of "wait until the pain is in your leg and then we can help you with surgery". In the meantime while my function was decreasing they had no other suggestions other than measuring the Cobb angle. In fairness to orthopedists, they know how to put the human body back together, they know how to straighten the spine. But realize there are many more parts other than the bone that is involved and can often contribute to pain. A straighter immobile spine is not always the answer. I believe in the Scoliosmart theory and treatment process. My vote is for the ScoliSmart Clinics to receive research dollars to improve and expand upon the current treatment process. The clinic space is economical, the result is huge! read more

Dr Clayton Stitzel and his team at ScoliSMART has provided exceptional care and support for our daughter, who has just finalized the first bootcamp, with significant curve correction, after only 8 days of treatment. It is common that parents look (and often struggle) to identify the best solution for the scoliosis case of their children - each curve is different!.... When I learned about our daughter's S shaped scoliosis, this summer, I jumped into an avid research of options, solutions, diving deeply and extensively into scientific papers across the world, acquired basic information for a non-expert person, explored hypothesis to try to connect the dots that would possibly help me make the right choice for our child. Sometimes, one can feel like a shaken Barca floating on a see only with the belief there must be a way other than surgery or brace for my child. I have also reached out to multiple communities of parents taking care of children with scoliosis, explored at least 5 alternatives and in the end, the ScoliSMART approach made the most practical sense for my child's case. I started this journey with the belief that it is not for faint-hearted or those who seek certainty, but rather for those who are ready to work consistently and persistently, those who are ready not to outsource healing, but to be active part of it. After two weeks of witnessing the intense work children and staff do at ScoliSMART, I feel comfortable to say that we have a path we want to walk. It is not a walk of complacency or self-sufficiency, but one of full (time) ownership and daily commitment. The bootcamp corrects not only the curvature, but it builds up character in children, empowers and helps them see how they can conquer scoliosis, guilt and shame free!... The children form camaraderies and come to understand that this condition actually becomes their strength, makes them cool in the eyes of their friends - how many children can carry audaciously weights on a shaky surface and still keep the balance impeccably?... This is why we departed from the two week experience with the gratitude and humbleness that we have access to a novel way (yet fully tested for its results, if one is fully dedicated to walk the talk) to tackle scoliosis in children (and also adults) for the long - haul. We can't wait to come for check-up in the coming months and stay the course with everything that we have learned and everything that it takes... ! Dr Stitzel is authentically invested in finding a solution for each patient who steps into his office. My observation is that - most importantly - he and his research partners are truly dedicated to achieve a vision, following data and science, to mitigate the risks for scoliosis at early stages and ages and treatment solutions that do much more and better than putting children in braces... Equally relevant, he and his staff do help children (and parents) to form a new winning and resilient mindset. Thank you team PA ScoliSMART! read more

My daughter and I spent a week at the ScoliSMART clinic in Lititz during the summer of 2017. This was our second visit and because of the results Dr. Stitzel and his team achieve I'm already planning for a return trip. If you're reading this it is likely because you want a better choice than bracing. That's why my wife and I started looking for better treatments than my health care provider offered. Without going into to much detail my daughter has a double major curve (an "S" curve) and the scoliosis specialist recommended bracing. He said, even with bracing my daughter will likely need surgery because she was at stage 1 on the Risser system (The Risser system measures skeletal maturity with ratings from 0 to 5. Look up Joseph C Risser). We were told by the specialist that based on the amount of growth she has to do both of her curves are almost guaranteed to reach surgical recommendation cobb angles numbers (50 degrees or greater) before she reached stage 5 of the Risser scale. And he said this would occur WITH THE BRACE ON for the next 3 years or so. He also told me that without the brace her curves would likely go into the 60s over the next year or so. We took a leap of faith with ScoliSMART and I am VERY pleased to tell you that my daughter is now at stage 4 of the Risser scale and her curves our now lower than when we started this process over a year ago. What's even more important to me and my family is that we have a plan on how to combat Scoliosis and the symptoms that come with it. I highly recommend the ScoliSMART program in Lititz and my family and I loved our experiences with Dr. Stitzel, Andrea, Yanna, Anita, Jen and Monica. read more

I am sixty three years old. In 2002 Dr. Stitzlel's office moved into our neighborhood. I had been going to a local chiropractor for ten years, but had SO MUCH neck pain that I had to keep going back to the chiropractor monthly with only temporary relief. One day my husband said that I should check out Lancaster Spinal Health Center. Since I already had a chiropractor, I was reluctant to try a different one. However, I did call Dr. Stitzel. He explained how his treatment plan was different. As a result of that phone call, I made my first appointment wit Dr. Stitzel. I was desperate for pain relief. After ten years of another chiropractor, I had so much pain that I could not stand in my kitchen to make two simple pies. At my first appointment with Dr. Stitzel, he put a head weight on me. I thought that idea was counterproductive since my head already felt too heavy on my pained and sore neck. AMAZING! Dr. Stitzels's head weight "forced" my to stand erect and put my head directly over my spine where it belonged instead of weighing heavy "out front." I did Dr. Stitzel's recommendations and followed his brief program. That was over ten years ago. I HAVE NO PAIN. I do wear my head weight once a week for about five min and do use the "wobble seat" exercise about once a week also. NO PAIN. No weekly visits. I am free of pain and on my own! I am SO GRATEFUL for Dr. Stitzel. He has found a way to "make people well." Jane read more

My youngest daughter, Jordan, was diagnosed with scoliosis. I had done some research myself on the internet and was very disappointed with what I was finding from the orthopedic doctors. I was trying to find something regarding the use of chiropractors to take care of this, but all the information I found stated that chiropractic would not be of any help. I contacted my cousin, who is a chiropractor, who told me what to look for and then I made an appointment with my family chiropractor for Jordan. After the x-rays were taken, he informed me that there wasn't anything he could do, but the previous summer he had another patient with similar issues who had very good results with Dr. Stitzel. He gave me what information he had and I contacted Lancaster Spinal. We signed her up for the 2 week Scoliosis Boot Camp, and when we arrived and further x-rays were taken, we found out Jordan was in spinal collapse - she had developed a 2nd curve in her lower back. By the end of the 2 weeks, the lower curve was greatly reduced (almost gone) and the initial curve was also reduced. She has been continuing her exercises at home and tomorrow (12/18/13) we go back for her 6 month check up. I can't wait to see how she's doing! Dr. Stitzel and the ENTIRE staff made her feel so welcome, she cried on the way home after her final treatment because she would have to wait 6 months to go back. THANK YOU for all you've done for her! read more

We found out in September 2013 that my daughter had a 28 degree curve. The orthopedic doctor was ready to schedule her to be fitted for a brace. I was strong in front of my daughters but that night I totally lost it. The thoughts of putting my 11 year old in that awful, confining brace for 22+ hours a day just killed me. So my husband and I got on the internet that night after they went to bed and began the search. As soon as we found out about the scoliosis Boot Camp program, we were on board. Our thoughts were, what can it hurt. At that point, what did we have to lose. At least if we tried it and it didn't work, we were right back where we started. So we went to PA to see Dr. Clayton Stitzel in October. That was the best decision we ever made. Her curve was reduced to only 5 degrees when we left. She also had the ScolioScore test taken. Her results were right in the middle of the range. So it enabled us to make decisions for her future. We now know that she will battle this at least until she stops growing. But we are also aware that she must continue her home exercises and we stay diligent in that in hopes of preventing her curve to worsen. These alternatives are so much better than a brace or surgery. If you or your children are diagnosed with scoliosis, I encourage you to look into this alternative treatment. You won't be sorry. Thanks again Dr. Stitzel!! read more

Over a decade and a half ago we started out on a journey to find "a better way" to treat scoliosis, a way that focused on treating the condition itself, and not just the spinal curve, a way that produced no side effects or pain for the patient, a non-invasive way to train the brain how to learn to hold the spine in a straighter position automatically, and a way to allow a kid to still be a kid, not a condition. For over 100 years, scoliosis treatment has remained relatively unchanged. Researchers don't know specifically what causes it, and medical doctors still provide limited treatment options including rigid braces or highly invasive surgery, both of which carry consequences. We understand a great deal more about idiopathic scoliosis than we did even 10 years ago. Knowing that scoliosis is a complex condition that involves several systems of the body and not just bone, muscle, and ligaments, ScoliSMART doctors have created the first scoliosis treatment system to include options that address these systems that are creating and controlling spinal deformity. We have successfully treated thousands of patients with scoliosis and are continuing to improve long term results for patients worldwide. It. Can. Be. Done. read more

Our daughter complained more often about how her back was hurting so much. So my husband and I decided to take her to a chiropractor up in Williamsburg, Virginia. After getting the results from the x-rays it turns out that our daughter was diagnosed with scoliosis. Our chiropractor highly recommended us to take her to Lititz, PA. for treatment 2 times a day for 5 days. Never in our minds did we ever think that something like this would happen but it did. So for our daughters spring break April 2014 we decided to take her to Lititz, PA. when we went to the first appointment on Monday Dr. Clayton Stitzel and his staff were wonderful and warm! On her 3rd. day of treatment Dr. Clayton Stitzel showed us the x-rays of before and after I would of never thought it would work... but it did!!! Now she has to continue to do her rehab everyday 3 times a day at home until her follow-up in August. We are very thankful that we took her to Dr. Clayton Stitzel. The treatment was not painful at all! Let me tell everyone this is the best thing we decided to do for our daughter, the results were amazing! They are truly the best!!! THANK YOU DR. CLAYTON STITZEL FOR ALL YOU AND YOUR STAFF HAVE DONE! read more

I first started at Clayton's about seven years ago (time flies!) in regards to my scoliosis (C-curvature). At that time I was roughly at 40 degrees and was faced with the scare of detrimental surgery; I began a two-week intensive treatment plan at his office, Lancaster Spinal Health. At the end of the two weeks I was just under 20 degrees. That being said, about seven years later, I have NOT undergone anymore treatments and just simple evaluations every 2-3 years. Today, my spine has not fluctuated much in curvature over the course of seven years! However, I always like checking up on what's new and improved since my days of treatment! Pretty neat stuff. His upbeat and enthusiastic nature makes treatment in his office actually very enjoyable. I wouldn't be where I am today, physically, without Clayton's expertise and truly individualized care that he devotes to each and every patient. He is one of a kind! read more

I'm 67 and have had scoliosis since I was 14. I have never had surgery or bracing and my curve is now 68 degrees and caused me considerable pain, including visits to the ER. Last week, I attended a ScoliPain camp at Dr. Stitzel's office and was treated with compassionate care and respect by everyone. No promises were made to change my curve, only encouragement and hope for pain relief and stopping the postural collapse on my right side. Everyone at the clinic is positive, friendly and patient, and Dr. Stitzel's energy is amazing. His open office door makes him accessible to the entire place and he always took time to answer my numerous questions. The treatment is intense but relatively painless. The rehab I do at home is not time consuming, and overall, I just feel better and stronger. I'd recommend this clinic to anyone with scoliosis, even older adults like me. read more

I was very happy to learn that at age 63, I was a candidate for Scoliosis Boot Camp at Dr. Stitzel's Lancaster Spinal Health Center. As soon as I learned the simple exercises that target my scoliosis issues, started receiving Dr. Stitzel's adjustments and practicing the protocol for spinal rehab, I felt stronger and better. I could feel greater mobility in my upper back immediately. After one week, xrays showed an improvement of nearly 20 degrees in the curve in my upper back. Because the first week of treatment was so successful, I decided to continue treatment in the program for another week. After the second week in treatment, xray showed the curve straightened a little more and my back is visibly much more aligned. Dr. Stitzel and his staff are upbeat, enthusiastic, kind and friendly which helped so much with healing. I am grateful to everyone there. read more

Several years ago, after the birth of my second child, I started having problems with excruciating pain running down my right hip and thigh. I was diagnosed with sciatica by my primary care physician. After I finally lost the pregnancy weight gain the pain was barely noticeable so I just learned how to live with it. Last year I purchased a Living Social Coupon to see a chiropractor. The chiropractor took an x-ray of my neck and back. The x-ray revealed mild scoliosis in my lower back and my neck was straight instead of the normal curve. Since my daughter was under the care of Lancaster Spinal Health Center and getting really good results I drove to Lititz, PA for a treatment plan that is working well for me. I believe once and for all my spine will be back to normal and I will be free of pain. read more

My younger daughter was diagnosed with scoliosis and surgery to insert two rods in her back were recommended. My daughter would not hear of it and she began to research alternatives. She found the alternative in Scolismart. We chose to go to the Lititz, PA Scolismart location with Dr. Stitzel for the 2 week boot camp and it was a great experience. Dr. Stitzel and his staff are very caring and helpful. They put so much love and attention into your child. Dr. Stitzel's passion is contagious and we just love that he feels that surgery is not an option. My daughter still has a long road to go, but the 2 week bootcamp gave her the tools that she needs to continue on a path to a straighter back with NO SURGERY!! We would strongly recommend Dr. Stitzel and his staff at ScoliSmart.. read more

Hi, my name is Tammy and for almost two years I have had a headache 24/7. When the pain level was out of control I would get confused and the right side of my body would weaken. I went to three different neurologists. I was diagnosed with complex migraines. I had many scary days; I would get lost driving to work, or not know where I was or where my family was. After three hospital stays, many test and medications I could not find relief. A friend suggested I go see Dr. Stitzel at the Lancaster Spinal Health Center (Lititz, Pa). When I left his office I finally had hope and did not feel like I was losing my mind. He created a treatment plan to cure my headaches. After a couple of weeks, my pain level decreased and I have not had headaches since. read more

I suffered from chronic migraines as well as this horrible and awful knot that could never go away (even with many massages), it caused me to have pain in my neck, upper back and caused even more headaches. I decided something had to be done, I found Dr Stitzel on the internet and I set up an appointment. The staff and Dr. Stitzel were great! I finally have NO pain and no knot in my neck/shoulder region. They are fantastic at what they do! I work in the medical field and I am so appreciative that not only is Dr. Stitzel knowledgeable, he continues to do research in many aspects of the health field. I am grateful for the care and concern he and his staff give to each and every patient that walks thru the doors. read more

I just completed my 4th ScoliSMART boot camp with Dr. Clayton Stitzel and his amazing staff at the Lancaster Spinal Health Center in Lititz, PA. I feel so much better already! I increased my weights again, completed the 2 & 1/2 day intensive boot camp and received another positive report. Scoliosis is a very big part of my life journey & I feel so blessed and happy to have found such a wonderful & caring doctor in Dr. Stitzel. Thanks so much to everyone at the Lancaster Spinal Center. Ya'll are the best!! read more

I found Dr. Stitzel years ago, and just like his video states, he cured my headaches and neck issues. His practice is welcoming and down to earth. His approach is one that includes educating his clients along with treating them in a combination of exercises that were (for me) very fun! I felt better after each visit and have been well ever since. read more

I am 64 with a 58 degree scoliosis curve in my lower back. I was getting increasingly debilitated and experiencing more pain. I started to feel relief within a couple weeks of therapy at the Lancaster Spinal Health Center. They gave me my life back. I highly recommend the Center for persons of any age with scoliosis. -Ann read more