Scoliosis is often associated with young children and adolescents, but it is a condition that can emerge in all age groups including aging adults. If detected early, patients may have a better chance of treating scoliosis non-surgically. Jeb McAviney, DC, BSc, MChiro, MPainMed, who is the CEO of ScoliCare and a leading authority on non-surgical scoliosis treatment, has been interested in the condition since his early years. He later decided to focus on the development and refinement of non-surgical approaches to treat scoliosis, including special braces, scanning equipment and exercises.
In his Engage 2025 presentation, “Taking the Lead: Empowering Chiropractors in Scoliosis Management,” he will educate chiropractors about their important role, as musculoskeletal experts, in identifying scoliosis in patients and then helping them find the right care pathway.
Look for Dr. McAviney’s program on the Engage 2025 schedule and register to attend. Below, read more about how scoliosis became a focus of Dr. McAviney’s work, and what he will share with chiropractors to help them better meet patients’ needs.
Q: How is the topic you are presenting at Engage 2025 relevant to today’s chiropractor?
The topic is highly relevant to today’s chiropractors as it focuses on a growing yet often under-recognized condition—scoliosis.
With increasing emphasis on the importance of early detection, chiropractors are uniquely positioned to play a leading role in scoliosis management. Research in the area of scoliosis highlights that non-surgical treatments, such as scoliosis-specific exercises and custom bracing, can significantly reduce the need for surgical interventions when applied early. Chiropractors, as the first point of contact for many patients with musculoskeletal concerns, are often the first to identify spinal irregularities. This places them in a unique position to conduct screenings, initiate referrals for timely interventions, and co-manage cases where appropriate, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.
As scoliosis cases continue to emerge across various age groups, particularly in adolescents and aging adults, it is essential for chiropractors to remain informed and confident in their ability to address this condition. By taking the lead in scoliosis management, chiropractors not only improve individual patient outcomes but also reinforce their role as vital contributors to holistic, patient-centered care.
Q: What makes you an expert in this area?
As a chiropractor with extensive experience in scoliosis management, I have focused much of my career on developing and refining non-surgical treatments for this condition, particularly through custom scoliosis bracing and scoliosis-specific rehabilitation programs.
I am the founder and CEO of ScoliCare, where we specialize in the non-surgical treatment and management of scoliosis for patients of all ages. I’ve had the privilege of training with some of the world’s leading experts in bracing and rehabilitation, completed master’s degrees in chiropractic, pain medicine and the inaugural World Masters in Scoliosis Management–of which I am now faculty. I have applied this knowledge to help thousands of patients and educate hundreds of clinicians.
Beyond clinical practice, I am deeply involved in research, with over 10 scientific papers on scoliosis and spinal deformities published in peer-reviewed journals, and education, contributing to advancements in scoliosis care. My passion for innovation has led to the development of BraceScan, a novel 3D scanning technology of the human body, ScoliBrace, recognized for its innovative approach to scoliosis bracing treatment, and ScoliBalance, a scoliosis-specific exercise program that integrates corrective exercise.
This combination of hands-on experience, research, and collaboration keeps me at the forefront of scoliosis management. I’m committed to sharing these insights with healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes and advance non-surgical scoliosis care worldwide.
Q: What first interested you in scoliosis? Why did you decide to become more engaged in this area?
As a student, I worked in my father’s chiropractic clinic. He had a special interest in scoliosis using a variety of different rehabilitation approaches alongside standard chiropractic care. At the time scoliosis braces were not particularly effective, and I had some thoughts on how to improve that technology. After graduating as a chiropractor, I realised that there was a significant gap in specialized care for patients with this condition. In many instances, non-surgical treatment for scoliosis was provided by healthcare professionals whose primary focus wasn’t on scoliosis or structural rehabilitation. This lack of dedicated care inspired me to pursue advanced training in scoliosis management and led me to establish ScoliCare. I was determined to develop clinics that could provide effective, non-invasive solutions tailored specifically for scoliosis patients.
Through ScoliCare, I’ve been able to bring together a team of experts and develop specialized treatment protocols, including custom scoliosis bracing and rehabilitation programs, to ensure patients receive the dedicated care they deserve.
Q: Can you provide one or two takeaways from your presentation/topic that Engage 2024 attendees will not want to miss?
A key takeaway from my session will be a clear understanding of the chiropractor’s critical role in scoliosis care, particularly in screening and assessing patients. Chiropractors will learn how to effectively detect scoliosis early, assess its progression, and confidently refer patients for timely intervention. With this knowledge, chiropractors can actively contribute to a patient’s scoliosis care pathway, ensuring they receive the right care at the right time, ultimately leading to better long-term outcomes.
Q: How will what attendees take away make them better doctors?
Attendees will leave the session better equipped to identify scoliosis early, assess its progression, and make informed referrals for non-surgical care. Attendees will also gain a better understanding of the current evidence around the progression of scoliosis and the most effective non-surgical approaches to scoliosis treatment. By understanding their role in both early detection and co-management, chiropractors can contribute meaningfully to the scoliosis management pathway, facilitating earlier interventions and ultimately improving patient outcomes. Personally, it can also be incredibly rewarding to guide patients through the best possible care pathway, knowing their treatment is part of a coordinated, multidisciplinary effort that ultimately enhances their quality of life.
Q: Being “engaged” in the chiropractic profession is a central theme of ACA Engage, the conference. How long have you presented at Engage or other conferences? What inspired you to start and/or what keeps you coming back to share knowledge with your colleagues in this way?
I’ve had the opportunity to present at medical, research and chiropractic conferences and events worldwide for over 20 years. What inspired me to start sharing my knowledge was the realization that many chiropractors were not fully aware of the most effective options available for scoliosis treatment.
In the early stages of my career, I noticed scoliosis was often misunderstood and under-addressed, with few professionals truly grasping the complexities of managing the condition. As I continued to learn and discover more about scoliosis treatment options—particularly non-surgical methods—I knew I had to pass on that knowledge to others.
My goal has always been to help healthcare providers understand the broader impact of scoliosis, the importance of early detection, and how conservative treatment can significantly improve patients’ quality of life. Over the years, it’s been deeply rewarding to be part of the movement toward better scoliosis care and to help bridge the knowledge gap within the healthcare community. This drive to share knowledge and improve care is what keeps me coming back to conferences like ACA Engage.
