The Gonstead Principles of Chiropractic

Dr. Gonstead believed that the foundation of the musculoskeletal system is determined by the pelvic
girdle. When this is in physiological balance, it will maximize stability and balance in the spine.
When the pelvic girdle or any of the vertebrae that make up the spine tilt or misalign, dramatic changes can occur in the body that can lead to pain and deterioration in health. Misalignments of the vertebrae or pelvic girdle can cause pressure on the discs between bony structures and nerves that extend from the spine to the rest of the body. Uneven or excessive pressure placed on the discs can cause them to swell and bulge, which is referred to as slipped, herniated, or ruptured. In many situations, the condition of the disc is the key to the patient’s health problem. A single accident or multiple minor episodes can cause cumulative effects, leading to misalignment of the vertebra. The misalignments cause the nerves that pass through the spinal areas to be pinched or compressed, thus compromising the health of the whole body. Chiropractors call this dysfunctional condition
“Subluxation”.

Gonstead demonstrated, through correlated tests between the adjustments given to his patients, and the results of blood and urine tests, that when the subluxation is corrected, the physiological response is immediate. He also found that how quickly specific subluxations are identified and treated is related to how quickly one recovers to a healthy state. If favorable changes do not immediately follow the adjustments, then the practitioner has not taken the most direct route.

The Gonstead methodology isn’t about simply drawing lines on an x-ray, manipulating the affected areas, and expecting results to come. The applied technique is much more complex than it seems.
The Gonstead system focuses on the careful analysis of the patient and subsequently, on the basis of all the information acquired, a therapeutic plan is structured.

The method can be learned by all who apply diligently and who aspire to duplicate the results obtained at the Gonstead Clinic. Its scientific rigor, its non-traumatic effect on the patient and the achievement of timely results, help the Gonstead operator to build a solid reference practice.

Spinal evaluation in Gonstead Chiropractic is based on a careful systematic analysis of the spine using five specific diagnostic approaches to evaluate the onset and evolution of the vertebral subluxation complex.

The 5 approaches of Gonstead Chiropractic are:

Radiographic analysis: Gonstead Chiropractic uses an accurate, precise and targeted radiographic evaluation to research the exact position of the vertebral subluxation and direct specific adjustment techniques on it.

Inspection Analysis: consists of the visual assessment of posture and gait. The Gonstead operator examines the skin surface, any asymmetries, positional dyskinesia, gait alterations, etc.

Instrumental Analysis: In Gonstead Chiropractic a particular instrument called a “Nervoscope” is used, which detects irregular distributions of heat on the spine which indicate irritation and inflammation of the nerves.

Static Palpatory Analysis: This principle places emphasis on palpation of the patient’s spine in a static position. The Gonstead operator evaluates possible tissue abnormalities, such as tenderness, swelling, tension, etc.

Dynamic Palpatory Analysis: consists of evaluating all joint movements through specific mobility tests, thus identifying any movement limitations.

Gonstead Chiropractic Techniques are by far the safest and most precise for manipulating the spine. The Gonstead treatment, in fact, is carried out without using the common manipulative techniques of rotation, but through translation techniques in a linear and functional direction on the vertebra involved, thus allowing the correct functionality of the joint and associated structures to be rapidly
restored. it. With these techniques it is possible to perfectly control the direction of the movement, as well as the depth, force and speed.