Visualization
Visual assessment gives an overall view of posture, alignment and how the patient presents before hands-on examination.
Systematic Analysis
A precise method for spinal assessment
Gonstead chiropractic is presented as a structured method of spinal analysis that looks for the cause of a problem before correction is considered.
The Gonstead Difference
Assessment before correction
The Gonstead chiropractor goes beyond a basic spinal assessment by using five criteria to detect the presence of vertebral subluxation complex. Once detected, the chiropractor begins to specifically correct the subluxation with the aim of supporting proper nerve function and spinal mechanics.
We describe the foundation principle as one spinal area creating compensatory changes elsewhere. That is why the method is presented as full-spine analysis rather than a quick focus on one painful spot.
Five Checks
The five checks in a Gonstead assessment
Instrumentation
The Nervoscope is described as a small hand-held device used to detect uneven heat distributions that may indicate inflammation or nerve pressure.
Static palpation
The chiropractor feels for swelling, tenderness and abnormal texture or tightness in the back muscles and tissues.
Motion palpation
The spine is felt while moving and bending to assess how each segment moves in different directions.
X-ray analysis
X-rays, when indicated, help evaluate posture, joint and disc integrity, vertebral misalignment and rule out relevant pathology or fracture.
Method History
From Clarence S. Gonstead
Gonstead Chiropractic is named after Dr Clarence S. Gonstead. We link the approach to his engineering background and long clinical practice.
Practitioners often sum up the method this way: "Find the subluxation, accept it where you find it, correct it, and leave it alone."
"Find the subluxation, accept it where you find it, correct it, and leave it alone."
Clarence S. Gonstead