Last month, a free community scoliosis screening was held in South Charlotte. Two families left with findings that changed everything about their next steps.
One was an 11-year-old girl. She had been to the doctor regularly. No one had flagged her spine as a concern. At the screening, she was found to have a curve measuring above 50 degrees — a level that, in a still-growing child, requires specialist evaluation and active management.
The other was a woman in her 50s who knew she had scoliosis but had never received a current specialist evaluation.
Neither was found through the standard healthcare system. Both were found because their families walked into a free screening.
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Why This Happens Here
North Carolina does not require school scoliosis screenings. Many states that once did have eliminated the mandate. That means the most common spinal condition in adolescents, affecting an estimated 2 to 3 percent of children, frequently goes undetected until curves are large enough to limit treatment options.
Early detection is not a minor advantage. A curve caught at 15 degrees responds very differently to conservative treatment than one caught at 45. The window for non-surgical management closes as curves progress and skeletal maturity advances.
The Carolinas Scoliosis Screening Initiative
Clear Life Scoliosis and Chiropractic Center launched the Carolinas Scoliosis Screening Initiative (CSSI) this year as an annual community program — four free quarterly screenings offered to families across South Charlotte, Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Rock Hill, and surrounding communities.
Screenings are conducted by Dr. Justin M. Dick, DC — a CLEAR Institute Fellow and Board Member, ISICO World Masters credential holder, and the author of multiple peer-reviewed publications on scoliosis indexed in PubMed. This is specialist-level evaluation at no charge.
Every child and adult who attends leaves with a written clinical findings summary. A document formatted specifically to support follow-up with their pediatrician, family doctor, or school nurse.
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Upcoming Dates
All screenings are free. No appointment needed. No referral required.
- September 25, 2026 · 5:00–6:00 PM
- December 17, 2026 · 5:00–6:00 PM
- March 25, 2027 · 5:00–6:00 PM
Clear Life Scoliosis and Chiropractic Center
8814 Rachel Freeman Way, Suite 103 · Charlotte, NC 28278
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What to Expect
The screening takes approximately 10 minutes. Dr. Dick conducts a postural evaluation and Adams forward bend test — the standard clinical screen for spinal curvature. If findings warrant further evaluation, families receive a written summary and guidance on next steps. There is no sales pressure, no obligation, and no cost.
Adolescents between ages 8 and 18 are the primary target age group, though adult screenings are also welcome.
Walk-ins are welcome, but families who want to confirm their spot can book at:
clearlifescoliosis.com/carolinas-scoliosis-screening-initiative or call 980-368-0766
