5 Components of the Gonstead technique

In the Gonstead System are Full Spine, both A-P and Lateral views. The film size is 14” x 36” with the patient placed to include ishia to occiput. Full Spine films use less radiation than sectionals, provide an accurate vertebral count, provide full spinal contour representation for posture analysis with axial weight-bearing, and show problems other than the chief complaint—all of which are not attainable through the use of sectional films. Full spine X-Rays are essential to Gonstead Chiropractic. They allow us to regard the patient totally in analysis and corrective procedures.

If necessary, Dr. Kayla will take an x-ray film of the entire spine to be able to actually see what she is working with. The films will give her the ability to most accurately be able to adjust the spine at the exact angle it needs to be adjusted. You wouldn't let a mechanic work on your car without opening the hood and seeing the problem, so why would you want Dr. Kayla to work your health without seeing the very anatomy their affecting? 

Both Static and Motion Palpation are utilized in Gonstead Chiropractic to precisely pinpoint areas of involvement. Static Palpation is the “hands on” part of the examination. This will indicate changes in contour, tone, texture, and temperature on the patient. Motion Palpation is used to determine a subluxation and its listing. Dr. Kayla uses her hands to feel how the bones of the spine (vertebra) are moving or not moving. She also feels for areas of swelling and muscle spasm.

Dr. Kayla uses an instrument called a Delta T/Nervoscope which detects uneven heat distribution along the spine which can indicate nerve irritation/ subluxation. She will run the instrument down the entire spine, from your head to your hips. The instrument feels like two fingers gliding along your spine. It is actually a very sensitive thermometer that is continually comparing the temperature along your back to find the irritated nerve. An irritated nerve will make the skin/area around it warmer, like a sprained ankle will get hot and swollen.

We take into account all the information we can get from the patient by simply looking at them very carefully. In the Gonstead System Visualization starts from the moment the patient walks in the door. Differences in height between the ears, shoulders, and hips as well as posture and gait are useful to confirm your X-Ray and Palpation findings. Dr. Kayla will take the time to analyze your posture. She looks at everything from the direction your toes point to how your head sits on your shoulders. She even analyzes your gait and how your spine is affecting how you walk.

Although never used in a “cookbook” fashion, understanding problems with a patient’s health help us determine the area that a patient needs to be adjusted. Symptoms can help separate the two parts of the Autonomic Nervous System (Sympathetic and Parasympathetic) and aid us in applying a specific adjustment

In the Gonstead System, we apply all the information from these modes of analysis and correlate our findings to determine the most likely cause of the patient’s problem. After Subluxations are found, the use of the proper Gonstead technique is applied to effectively correct problem areas.

The Gonstead System focuses on the dynamics of intervertebral disc as the underlying cause of subluxations and resulting neurological dysfunction. It could then be said that Gonstead doctors are “disc doctors”.

Dr. Kayla will take a thorough patient history to be able to fully understand you. Yes, she is a spine doctor, but she will look at your entire body to be able to best help you achieve optimal health.