Dr. Justin M. Dick, DC – Published Research

Dr. Justin M. Dick, DC is a chiropractor practicing in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a clinical and research focus on non-surgical scoliosis care, spinal structural correction, and cervical spine biomechanics, and spinal injury. He treats adolescents and adults with scoliosis, postural deformity, and injury-related spinal instability using evidence-informed structural rehabilitation approaches. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Dick has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications examining scoliosis mechanics, cervical alignment, and conservative care outcomes.

Clinical Focus Section

Dr. Dick’s work centers on identifying and addressing abnormal spinal mechanics that contribute to pain, postural imbalance, and curve progression. His clinical emphasis includes adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, cervical hypolordosis and instability, post-traumatic spinal injury, and long-term structural rehabilitation. Care is guided by radiographic analysis, functional assessment, and individualized treatment planning rather than symptom-only management.

Research & Publications Section

Dr. Dick has published peer-reviewed clinical research and case reports in medical journals examining non-surgical scoliosis care, cervical spine mechanics, and conservative treatment outcomes. His work includes retrospective analyses and longitudinal follow-up of patients undergoing structured rehabilitation protocols.

Selected Publications:

Refractory Lumbar Pain Following Motor Vehicle Collision in a Geriatric Patient With Prior Lumbar Surgery: Clinical Resolution After Multimodal Conservative Spinal Structural Rehabilitation

Justin M. Dick, DC
Published in Cureus.
2026.
DOI:10.7759/cureus.103540.
Indexed in PubMed Central (PMCID:PMC12906243).
Clear Life Scoliosis and Chiropractic Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

This peer-reviewed clinical case report, indexed in PubMed Central, presents the evaluation and management of a geriatric patient with persistent lumbar pain following a motor vehicle collision, occurring in the context of a history of prior lumbar surgery. The patient’s clinical presentation included significant functional limitations, neurological findings, and symptoms refractory to initial management, suggesting complex biomechanics and neuromuscular involvement in post-traumatic lumbar pain.

A multimodal conservative spinal structural rehabilitation protocol was implemented with a focus on neurological assessment, structural mechanics, and targeted intervention strategies. Over the course of care, the patient demonstrated clinically meaningful reduction in pain, improvement in functional capacity, and resolution of neurological abnormalities, alongside objective indicators suggesting improved spinal stability and movement patterns.

Clinical Context

Older adults with prior lumbar surgery may exhibit persistent symptoms after trauma due to a combination of altered spinal mechanics, adaptive movement patterns, and neuro-mechanical factors. Traditional care pathways often focus on symptomatic management, leaving underlying biomechanical contributors under-addressed. This report describes a structured evaluation and integrated intervention process, emphasizing the interplay between structural alignment, neurological function, and rehabilitation outcomes.

Clinical Relevance

Findings are observational and descriptive. The case highlights the potential value of comprehensive structural and neurological assessment in complex post-collision presentations, particularly in patients with prior spinal surgery. Results support continued investigation into multimodal conservative strategies that address biomechanical and neuro-functional dimensions of persistent lumbar pain after motor vehicle trauma.

Access the full indexed article:
👉 https://www.cureus.com/articles/464459-refractory-lumbar-pain-following-motor-vehicle-collision-in-a-geriatric-patient-with-prior-lumbar-surgery-clinical-resolution-after-multimodal-conservative-spinal-structural-rehabilitation#!/

• A Non-Surgical Multimodal Approach to Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (Lenke 5C) Using an Intensive Two-Week CLEAR Institute Protocol: A Report of Two Cases

  Justin M. Dick, DC; John Whelan, DC; Paris Paige, DC
  Published in Cureus.
  2026.
  DOI: 10.7759/cureus.102006 Indexed in PubMed Central PMCID: PMC12866304.
  Clear Life Scoliosis and Chiropractic Center, Charlotte, North Carolina; CLEAR Institute Collaborators.

  This peer-reviewed case report, indexed in PubMed Central, describes outcomes of two adolescent patients with Lenke 5C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) managed using an intensive two-week multimodal conservative protocol based on principles of the CLEAR Institute. Structural changes in spinal alignment, clinical symptom patterns, and functional measures were documented over the course of care.

  Clinical Context

  Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity with variable natural history and limited non-surgical long-term outcome data, particularly in curve subtypes such as Lenke 5C involving the thoracolumbar region. This report details the application of an intensive, short-duration multimodal intervention incorporating corrective biomechanics, specialized mobilization, and targeted functional strategies. Measurable improvements in radiographic parameters and clinical findings suggest a potential role for structured conservative care in select AIS presentations.

  Clinical Relevance

  Findings from this two-case analysis are descriptive and hypothesis-generating. The report contributes to the literature on non-surgical, mechanics-focused scoliosis care by documenting observable structural changes and clinical trends associated with a concentrated multimodal protocol. These data support the need for further controlled investigation into intensive conservative approaches and their effects on spinal alignment, functional status, and biomechanics in adolescent scoliosis populations.

  Access the full indexed article:
  👉 https://www.cureus.com/articles/447616-a-non-surgical-multimodal-approach-to-adolescent-idiopathic-scoliosis-lenke-5c-using-an-intensive-two-week-clear-institute-protocol-a-report-of-two-cases#!/

Reduction of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Utilizing the Labyrinthine Righting Reflex

Justin M. Dick, DC; John Whelan
Published in Cureus. 2026.
DOI:10.7759/cureus.101343 PMCID: PMC12892820
Clear Life Scoliosis and Chiropractic Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

This peer-reviewed case report published in Cureus describes the management of a patient with mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using an integrative conservative protocol incorporating cantilever traction, spinal mobilization, and engagement of the labyrinthine righting reflex. Structural and clinical changes were documented over a three month period of care.

Clinical Context

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis presents complex biomechanical challenges, particularly in mild curve presentations where management strategies vary widely. This report documents measurable changes in spinal alignment parameters and postural findings following a multimodal conservative intervention, contributing descriptive clinical data to the literature on non-surgical scoliosis management.

Clinical Relevance

Findings are observational and hypothesis-generating. The case highlights the potential role of neurologically mediated postural reflexes and biomechanical loading considerations in conservative scoliosis care, while underscoring the need for further controlled investigation. This work aligns with broader research examining spinal mechanics, structural adaptation, and conservative rehabilitation strategies across patient populations.

• Reduction of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A 13-Month Follow-Up

  Justin M. Dick, DC; Sandy Spurgeon
  Published in Cureus on February 7, 2025.
  DOI:10.7759/cureus.78669 Indexed in PubMed Central PMCID: PMC12892820

  This peer-reviewed longitudinal case report examines the clinical and radiographic course of a 14-year-old male with severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) over a 13-month period. The patient initially presented with a Cobb angle of 42.4°, consistent with a severe scoliosis diagnosis and high risk for progression. After consistent adherence to a comprehensive, non-surgical conservative treatment protocol that included spinal mobilization, corrective exercises, postural re-education, and bracing, the patient’s Cobb angle reduced to 23.8°. Improvements were observed in clinical function, mobility, chest expansion, and respiratory capacity over the follow-up period.

  Clinical Context
  Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal deformity frequently managed through observation, bracing, or surgery, particularly in cases with significant curvature. Longitudinal outcomes following conservative management are comparatively less reported in the literature. This case contributes extended follow-up data on structural and functional changes in scoliosis following a multimodal, non-surgical intervention, highlighting the potential for measurable radiographic change outside surgical correction.

  Clinical Relevance
  Findings are observational and descriptive. The case supports continued research into nonsurgical approaches for AIS that integrate biomechanical assessment and individualized conservative care protocols, and it aligns with ongoing investigations into how structural rehabilitation strategies may influence long-term spinal alignment and patient function. This work supplements the evidence base on scoliosis management and reinforces the importance of extended follow-up in evaluating conservative interventions.

  Access the full indexed article:
  👉 https://www.cureus.com/articles/336596-reduction-of-adolescent-idiopathic-scoliosis-a-13-month-follow-up#!/

A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis of Abnormal Cervical Mechanics in Patients With Scoliosis

• Justin M. Dick, DC; Paris Paige, DC; John Whelan, DC
  Published in Cureus.
  2025.
  DOI: 10.7759/cureus.91098 Indexed in PubMed Central PMCID: PMC12466043

Clear Life Scoliosis and Chiropractic Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

This peer-reviewed, retrospective cross-sectional study indexed in PubMed Central examines the prevalence and characteristics of abnormal cervical spine mechanical parameters in patients with scoliosis across a clinical cohort. The analysis explores correlations between sagittal alignment deviations, neurologic findings, and clinical symptomatology, providing descriptive biomechanical insight into cervical spine behavior within the scoliosis population.

Clinical Context

Altered spinal alignment patterns in scoliosis are well-documented in thoracolumbar regions, but evidence characterizing cervical mechanical deviations and their clinical relevance remains limited. This study evaluates a diverse clinical sample using objective radiographic measurements and functional symptom data to identify patterns of cervical alignment variance among individuals with scoliosis.

Key Findings

The results demonstrate that a significant portion of patients with scoliosis exhibit measurable deviations in cervical alignment parameters compared with normative reference values. These deviations correlate with clinical features such as reduced range of motion and symptom burden in some subgroups. The analysis supports a biomechanical perspective on spinal alignment as a continuum rather than compartmentalized regional pathology.

Clinical Relevance

This retrospective cross-sectional analysis contributes to the understanding of cervical spine mechanics in the context of scoliosis. Findings are descriptive and hypothesis-generating, emphasizing the need for further research into how altered cervical alignment may influence clinical outcomes and engage multi-regional compensation patterns. The study aligns with emerging literature on comprehensive spinal mechanics assessment in conservative rehabilitation frameworks.

Access the full indexed article:
👉 https://www.cureus.com/articles/402357-a-retrospective-cross-sectional-analysis-of-abnormal-cervical-mechanics-in-patients-with-scoliosis#!/

• Improved Health Outcomes in a Military Veteran Following Vertebral Subluxation Based Chiropractic Care: A Case Report

  Justin Dick, DC; Sarah Hock
  Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research
  Published September 7, 2017
  Pages 147–151

  This publication describes the clinical presentation, management, and observed outcomes of a military veteran receiving vertebral subluxation-based chiropractic care. The report documents changes in patient-reported health status and functional measures over the course of care, with emphasis on clinical decision-making, examination findings, and longitudinal response.

  The case was prepared within the traditional structure of a clinical case report, including patient history, assessment procedures, care strategies, and outcome observations. As with all case reports, the findings represent observations from an individual patient and are not intended to establish generalized causation or treatment efficacy. Instead, the report contributes to descriptive clinical literature by outlining diagnostic considerations and response patterns in a real-world care environment.

  Case reports occupy a distinct role within scientific and clinical discourse. They are frequently used to document unusual presentations, generate hypotheses, and illustrate clinical reasoning processes. While they do not provide the statistical power or control of larger experimental designs, they remain a recognized component of healthcare literature and educational resources.

  The publication predates subsequent peer-reviewed work and reflects early scholarly activity examining patient response and functional change within chiropractic management frameworks. Readers should interpret the observations within the inherent limitations of single-patient study designs and the broader context of evolving spine and musculoskeletal research.

   

This publication forms part of a broader body of clinical and biomechanical research examining conservative spinal care and structural rehabilitation.

This publication has been included among scholarly works referenced by Sherman College of Chiropractic as part of its broader emphasis on chiropractic research and academic inquiry.

https://www.sherman.edu/research/

Professional Collaboration Section

Dr. Dick collaborates with professional education and research organizations, including contributions to the Clear Institute Research, to advance discussion around conservative scoliosis management and spinal biomechanics.

His professional works can be found at Cureus or ResearchGate.