Gonstead
procedures are the result of extensive clinical research by Dr Clarence S.
Gonstead founder of the Gonstead Chiropractic Clinic in the State of Wisconsin,
USA. This system specializes in the advanced methods of diagnosis, treatment,
management and prevention of conditions that are caused by mechanical
dysfunction of the spine and related joints. Incorrect function of the spine
and related joints can cause irritation of the nerves that control muscular
movement and body function. This spinal stress can lead to many different
symptoms and conditions that range from headaches to low back pain.
When
addressing any health condition it is of vital importance to identify the cause
of it. On top of a careful neuro-orthopaedic examination, the Gonstead
Chiropractor goes beyond what many chiropractors consider a spinal assessment
by conducting a thorough analysis of your spine using five criteria to detect
the presence of spinal dysfunction and nerve irritation.
Visualization – Looking for subtle changes in
your posture, movement, muscle tone and or significant inflammation which could
indicate any problems.
Instrumentation – The instrument of choice in the
Gonstead System is the Nervoscope. The Nervoscope detects uneven distributions
of heat along the spine which can be indicative of inflammation and nerve
pressure. This instrument is guided down the length of your back and feels like
two fingers gliding down each side of your spine.
Static
Palpation – This is
simply the process of feeling your spine in a stationary position. We will feel
for the presence of swelling, tenderness and any abnormal texture or tightness
in the muscles and other tissues of your back.
Motion
Palpation – This
process involves feeling the spine while moving it at various angles. This
helps us to determine how easily or difficult each vertebra goes through its
range of motion in different directions.
X-Ray
Analysis – X-rays
will be taken if medically necessary. This is helpful in evaluating posture,
joint and disc integrity, vertebral misalignments and ruling out any
pathologies, or recent fractures that may be present or contributing to the
patient’s condition. These films would be taken in the standing, weight-bearing
position to fully substantiate the examination findings.
