What to Expect

At Carlson Chiropractic Offices we are dedicated to practicing the Gonstead System. In this section of the webpage we hope that you will gain a better understanding of the Gonstead System and what you can expect under our care.

The Gonstead System

The Gonstead system/technique is a full spine analysis which focuses on addressing the cause of the problem verses compensations. This is done by finding the true subluxation (the bone out of place causing nerve interference). We do this through a thorough analysis of your spine using visualization, instrumentation (a nervoscope), static palpation, motion palpation, and x-ray analysis.

The Gonstead technique is the result of thorough research done by Dr. Clarence Gonstead, D.C. Dr. Gonstead graduated from chiropractic school in 1923. During his 55 years of practice he studied the spines of over 200 cadavers, adjusted millions of people from around the world, built the largest chiropractic clinic in Mt. Horeb, WI, and perfected a system of chiropractic that has helped change millions of lives.

The Concept

The Gonstead technique is based on a level foundation principle. Just as all engineers, contractors, and architects know the importance of a solid foundation when building a structure, we as Gonstead chiropractors know the importance of a strong and level foundation for your spine. The foundation of your spine is formed by your hip bones and the bones of your lower back. Any little misalignment to this foundation can affect the rest of your spine causing compensations and instability. When the foundation is level there is optimal balance and stability which helps maintain the chiropractic adjustment rather than work against it. It is our goal within the Gonstead technique to be specific by addressing the root of the problem rather than adjust all the compensations.

The Adjustment

To those familiar with chiropractic you will find the adjustment very different from a typical chiropractor. The basis for the Gonstead methodology is focused on the intervertebral disc. From high in your neck (C2) to low in your back (L5) the only way normal vertebrae can subluxate is posteriorly or backwards. Once the vertebrae subluxate the bones can potential rotate and laterally bend. Often times in chiropractic the rotation and lateral bend are addressed but not the posteriority. It is the goal of a Gonstead doctor to address all issues, especially the posteriority so that the spine will stabilize and gain back its level foundation. This is done by adjusting the spine in a neutral position. For example, where other chiropractors might rotate your neck, we adjust the neck in a neutral position preventing us from rotating. We are able to fix all components of the subluxation by making a specific contact. The specificity we use helps your adjustment hold longer and better.