5 Components of the Gonstead technique

Gonstead Technique

Why make a decision concerning someone’s health with anything less than ALL of the available information? Every patient deserves to have a detailed analysis of their clinical picture to ensure the highest level of chiropractic care. This will ensure specificity and ultimately patient confidence in the doctor’s ability with care.

Not one thing is certain which is why we use Thorough Health History, Postural Assessment, Instrumentation, Palpation, and X-Rays to determine the exact spot that we need to adjust a patient. When all of these correlate we are more likely to give the patient a specific adjustment. The greater the specificity, the greater the change we will notice in the patient’s health. Dr. Gonstead noted that three adjustments on the wrong vertebral segment could cause a Subluxation; therefore it is extremely important to be as specific as possible.

We underscore that a specific approach toward correcting spinal conditions will produce long-lasting and permanent results well beyond the recommended treatment plan.

 

Gonstead Case Management

Thorough Health History

Understanding each patient’s presenting health challenge(s) including pain and dysfunction is our priority. We are committed to identifying the underlying cause of these challenges which involve altered neurologic function and frequent disturbed systemic health. Understanding these neurologic patterns of imbalance enables a precise and tailored care plan of correction. Neck and back pain; headaches; gastro-intestinal dysfunction; fatigue and insomnia are common complaints.
Gonstead Visualization

Postural Assessment (Visualization)

To identify abnormal posture patterns from assessing leveling or altered leveling patterns of your hips, shoulders, and base of the skull. This includes the upper and lower extremity presenting patterns while standing and walking. These visual patterns enable a better understanding of spinal biomechanics and gait patterns.
Gonstead Instrumentation

Instrumentation

A handheld instrument with bilateral thermocouples (heat sensors) that detect skin temperature differentials at the spinal level caused by subluxations or nerve disturbance.  The scope feels like 2 fingers gliding down each side of your spine during the procedure.
Gonstead Palpation

Palpation

Palpating or feeling with our hands identifies specific spinal levels of swelling and altered muscle tone.  Motion palpation with our hands is feeling the precise location and pattern of altered joint movement.
Gonstead X-rays

X-Rays

Full-spine x-ray films allow us to precisely analyze the entire structure of your spine and correlate these biomechanical findings with your entire examination. This enables the most precise adjustment to achieve the best corrective results. They also rule out any congenital malformations, disease processes, and / or fractures.

DR. GONSTEAD'S THEORY ON DISC SUBLUXATION

Dr. Gonstead proposed that vertebral misalignment disrupts the Parallel Disc alignment, leading to compression at the nucleus pulposus. This compression forces the nucleus to exert pressure on the surrounding annular fibers, causing damage to them.

Such damage triggers an inflammatory response, which causes the disc to swell. This swelling then exerts pressure on the nerves located in the respective intervertebral foramen, leading to neurological dysfunction.

According to the Gonstead methodology, understanding that subluxations originate from the disc is crucial. Recognizing the stages of disc degeneration is essential for determining the appropriate adjustment direction and force needed for effective correction.

DR. GONSTEAD'S LEVEL DISC THEORY

Within the spinal column, the intervertebral discs serve a dual purpose: they act as a protective buffer to enhance flexibility and as a structural link that maintains proper motion between the vertebral bodies.

The Nucleus Pulposus, a dense central core, retains fluids and nutrients and acts as a pivot during vertebral movement, much like a "ball bearing." The Annulus Fibrosis, composed of fibrocartilage and collagen fibers, surrounds this core. It is similar to the concentric rings seen in a tree trunk cross-section, and it is anchored to the cartilaginous end plates of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Dr. Gonstead's Level Disc Theory asserts that "anatomically and physiologically normal discs promote optimum vertebral alignment." This is evidenced when the vertical height of a vertebral couple is uniform around 360 degrees, with the vertebral bodies properly aligned. This alignment, known as "Parallel Discs," ensures even weight distribution, adequate nutrient flow, and optimal joint function and movement within the spine.

The principles of the Gonstead Method are the simple principles of chiropractic put to work; how to understand what causes nerve pressure, how to find it on the patient, how to achieve a corrective setting of the offending vertebra, and how to know when the chiropractor’s job is done, and nature’s begins.
Dr. Clarence Gonstead
Founder of the Gonstead System