Every cell, tissue, organ and system of the body is controlled and regulated by the nervous system. In 1895, chiropractic was founded based on this very fact. A properly functioning nervous system allows for a properly functioning body. A close relationship exists between the nervous system and the spine. Any of the 24 movable bones of the spine can have an irritative effect on the nerves exiting the spinal cord. Many everyday activities can cause these spinal bones to lose both proper position and motion leading to nervous system irritation. This is referred to by doctors of chiropractic as subluxation. Your doctor of chiropractic will examine your spine for any existing or potential subluxations, and assist you on a path toward better health.
All doctors of chiropractic must complete a thorough and lengthy education. After completing pre-med undergraduate coursework, they begin a four-year program at an accredited chiropractic college. This demanding curriculum includes the studies of anatomy, physiology, X-ray, clinical sciences, adjusting techniques, preventive health care and many other related topics. On average, a doctor of chiropractic has completed 4,485 classroom hours compared to 4,248 classroom hours a medical doctor has had. Most chiropractic colleges have extracurricular Gonstead clubs where aspiring students can spend additional hours beyond their full course load learning and practicing the specific art of the Gonstead System.

After graduation, doctors of chiropractic have many opportunities to continue their education in the GonsteadSystem. The Gonstead Seminar is taught by renowned doctors who practice as Dr. Gonstead did. Through these seminars, doctors can achieve advanced certification in the Gonstead System. Gonstead chiropractic also has many researchers conducting ongoing studies to ensure that it is the most cutting edge and specific chiropractic technique possible. There are licensed Gonstead doctors of chiropractic worldwide offering their expertise in this highly advanced and time proven healing art.

If areas of abnormal spinal function (subluxation) are identified in your spine, your doctor will recommend a course of treatment involving specific chiropractic adjustments. The Gonstead chiropractic technique involves a complete and thorough spinal analysis used to detect the presence of vertebral subluxation. The Gonstead adjustment is given with great specificity and care, and only the problem areas of the spine are addressed. Sometimes only one area may be adjusted and other times there may be two or three areas. These specific adjustments help return spinal bones to their proper position and motion.

Gonstead adjustments are incredibly safe - far safer than muscle relaxers, back surgery or even a single aspirin. The specificity used in the Gonstead system allows for greatest possible effectiveness and safety. Research studies in several countries have clearly documented the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care. Over 2 million chiropractic adjustments are delivered to satisfied patients every day. People under regular specific chiropractic care are among the healthiest in the world, enjoying less medication, hospitalizations and medical doctor visits.

The Gonstead chiropractor conducts a thorough analysis of your spine using five criteria to detect the presence of the vertebral subluxation complex.

1. X-ray Analysis
X-ray films enable your doctor to visualize the entire structure of your spine. This is helpful in evaluating for any disease processes, fracture, posture, joint and disc integrity and vertebral misalignments.

2. 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.
 

3. Static Palpation
This is simply the process of feeling (or palpating) your spine in a stationary (or static) position. Your chiropractor will feel for the presence of swelling (or edema), tenderness and any abnormal texture or tightness in the muscles and other tissues of your back.

4. Motion Palpation
This process involves feeling the spine while moving and bending it at various angles. This enables the chiropractor to determine how easily or difficult each segment in your spine moves in different directions.

5. Visualization
Visualization is a way to cross, reference all the other findings. Your chiropractor is an expert in looking for subtle changes in your posture and movement which could indicate any problems.