Since Daniel D. Palmer gave his initial adjustment in Davenport, Iowa, in September 1895, chiropractic has come a long way. Today, several methods chiropractors used to correct the subluxation complexes, joint dysfunctions, and spinal misalignments. Palmer has identified many advanced and scientific methods that will be discussed in this post.
The Gonstead System
Clarence S. Gonstead, the founder of Gonstead Clinic of Chiropractic in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, did extensive clinical research on Gonstead chiropractic adjustments. Through fifty-five years of continuous practice, this has become the most completed biomechanical analysis method to be used by doctors of chiropractic. But, then you may wonder, why don’t all chiropractors use the Gonstead system? This is because this type of specific adjustment requires more time, practice, and dedication to do so.
The Gonstead Chiropractor
The Gonstead Chiropractor is an advanced spinal assessment by conducting an in-depth analysis of your spine using five criteria to detect the vertebral subluxation complex presence.
Visualisation
Visualisation is a way of cross-referencing the findings. Your chiropractor is an expert in looking for subtle changes in your movement and posture, indicating problems.
Instrumentation
Nervoscope is the instrument of choice in the Gonstead System. This instrument detects unequal distributions of heat along the spine, which may indicate nerve pressure and inflammation. The instrument feels like two fingers gliding down each side of your spine.
Static Palpation
This method is a process of palpation of your spine in a static position. Your chiropractor will feel the presence of edema (swelling), tenderness, and any abnormal tightness or texture in the muscles and other tissues of your back.
Motion Palpation
This process involves feeling the spine while bending and moving it at various angles. This allows the chiropractor to identify how easy or difficult each segment in your spine moves in multiple directions.
X-Ray Analysis
X-ray films enable your doctor to visualise the whole structure of the spine. This helps evaluate joint, posture, vertebral misalignments, disc integrity, and ruling out any fractures or pathologies present to the patient’s condition. These full-spine radiographs are taken in the standing, weight-bearing position to validate the examination findings fully.
The Takeaway
After a complete analysis, the Gonstead chiropractor is ready to deliver the necessary adjustments. The adjustment’s focus is to be as precise, specific, and accurate as possible, addressing only the problematic areas. Great care is taken to ensure a bio-mechanically correct position and particular thrust. That way, the chiropractor can provide the most accurate and painless adjustment possible.
The doctor’s goal is to restore and maintain optimal health by locating and treating any interference to the nervous system caused by the vertebral subluxation.
