Experience Wellness... Gonstead
Theory Behind Gonstead The basic concept of Gonstead Chiropractic
is
based in the biomechanical principals of physics. Dr
Gonstead was a trained mechanical engineer who realized that
the body's
foundation is formed by the pelvic girdle. When this
or any of the vertebrae making up the spinal column become tilted or
out of alignment, dramatic changes can occur in the body that may result
in pain and decreased health.
Misalignments of the vertebrae or pelvic girdle can cause pressure
on the discs between the bony stuctures and the nerves extending out
from the spinal column to reach the rest of the body.
Uneven pressure put on the discs can cause
them to swell and protrude,
which is referred to as slipped, herniated or ruptured. When this condition
results in pinching
or compression of the nerves that
run through that particular area it is called Subluxation
by chiropractors. Compressed nerves become inflamed and
impede the proper transmission
of impulses to the corresponding
areas of the body.
Purpose
of Gonstead Chiropractic The single purpose
is locating and correcting vertebral Subluxations for
the improvement of nerve function. The brain and nervous
system control every muscle and organ in the body.
In
fact, every cell is monitored by your nervous system
and
the slightest interference with communication between
them can result in health problems and pain. The Gonstead
Chiropractor utilizes his unique and refined discipline
of
skeletal analysis to detect misalignments that disrupt
the
communication of the nervous system with the rest
of the
body. Once the misalignments are corrected proper
nerve function and health are usually restored.
Benefits of Chiropractic
- Spinal & extremity pain relief
- Headache relief
- Increased mobility and range of motion
- Decreased stiffness and muscular spasm
- Arthritic joint pain relief
- Increased performance and energy
- Increased sense of well being and relaxation
- Increased balance & coordination
- Reduced degeneration and risk of injury
- Enhanced tissue healing
- Decreased tissue inflammation
Frequently Askes Questions
What kind of education & training do doctors of chiropractic have?
Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on these three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical and radiological diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical training.
| Medical Education |
Chiropractic Education |
|
| John Hopkins Medical School |
Palmer College of Chiropractic |
|
Class Hours |
Subject |
Class Hours |
| 508 | Anatomy | 520 |
| 256 | Physiology | 520 |
| 401 | Pathology | 195 |
| 200 | Chemistry | 325 |
| 114 | Bacteriology | 130 |
| 224 | Diagnosis | 520 |
| 112 | Neurology | 130 |
| 48 | X-ray | 292 |
| 114 | Psychiatry | 65 |
| 198 | Obstetrics & |
65 |
Gynecology
|
||
| 2205 | TOTAL Hours | 2762 |
| Grand Total | ||
| 3397 | Including other | 4485 |
| Required subjects |
The Beginnings of Spinal Care D.D. Palmer was the
first to perform adjustments for spinal misalignment
in 1895 as treatment for disease. He opened the first
school of chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in 1897.
Gonstead Approach
Dr Clarence Gonstead expounded on Dr Palmer's ideas
by creating a unique approach that is thorough, complete
and specific in both analyzing and treating the spine
and pelvic complex. The focus of the Gonstead adjustment
is to be as specific, precise and accurate as possible,
addressing only the areas of subluxation.
Comprehensive
The Gonstead chiropractor uses 5 criteria
to detect possible vertebral subluxation
- X-ray analysis: X-rays of the entire spinal column and pelvis
- Instrumentation: the Nervoscope is widely used to detect uneven distributions of heat, commonly indicative of inflammation
- Static Palpation: feeling the spine in a stationary position to check for presence of swelling, tenderness or abnormal tightness in the muscles and tissues of the back
- Motion Palpation: Process of feeling the spine while moving and bending at various angles to determine how easily each segment in your spine moves in different directions
-
Visualization: Looking for subtle changes in your posture and movement to cross reference the other findings
Nervoscope The
instrument commonly used by Gonstead Chiropractors
is the Nervoscope. It detects uneven distributions
of heat along the spine which can me 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 yor spine.
Gonstead Adjustment After a complete anaylsis, the Gonstead practitioner is ready to deliver any necessary spinal adjustments. Great care is taken to ensure a mechanically correct position and precise thrust to provide the most accurate and painless adjustment possible. It is the goal of your Gonstead doctor to restore and maintain optimal health by locating and correcting any interference to the nervous system caused by vertebral subluxation.
Will I receive any medication for my pain?
No. Chiropractic doctors don't dispense drugs. Because we rely on natural methods, ask for directions on how to use ice to control any painful symptoms. Ice, when properly applied, can have an analgesic effect without the side effects associated with pain medications.
How long until I feel better?
Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover that the healing process can take weeks, sometimes months. Every patient recovers at their own pace. Factors that affect the healing process include your age, overall health condition, muscle tone, diet and even attitude.
