The Gonstead System

"Find the subluxation, accept it where you find it, correct it, and leave it alone."
- C.S. Gonstead
Why We Use It

The Gonstead Doctor Difference

The Gonstead chiropractor goes beyond what many chiropractors consider a spinal assessment by conducting a thorough analysis of your spine using five criteria to detect the presence of the vertebral subluxation complex.

Our doctors are trained exclusively in the Gonstead system, meaning we ensure that there is a clinical logic to every decision that is made for each and every one of our patients.

Our Process

After a complete analysis, the Gonstead chiropractor is ready to deliver any necessary adjustments. The focus of the Gonstead adjustment is to be precise and accurate, addressing only the problem areas. Great care is taken to ensure a biomechanically correct position and precise thrust to provide the most accurate and painless adjustment possible. It is the goal of your doctor to restore and maintain optimal health by locating and correcting any interference to the nervous system caused by vertebral subluxation.

Chiropractor standing behind a patient and stretching their neck.
Person sitting at a table holding their neck and their low back.

What We Look For

Using the same principles as engineers and architects, we know that a strong foundation is a necessity for stability. Any changes or weaknesses in the base of a structure can cause deviation at the top:

The Gonstead Criteria

Visualization

This is how we cross-reference our other findings. We do this by looking for subtle changes in posture and movement that could indicate a problem.

Instrumentation

The Gonstead system uses the Nervoscope. It detects uneven heat distribution along the spine, which can mean inflammation or nerve pressure.

Static Palpation

This involves feeling your spine when it is in a stationary position. We look for swelling, tenderness, tightness, and abnormal textures.

Motion Palpation

We feel your spine while it is in motion. Movement can help us determine how easily or difficultly the segments of you spine move in various positions.

X-Ray Analysis

Taking a series of x-rays in various positions helps our chiropractors visualize the structure of your spine as a whole.

Visualization

This is how we cross-reference our other findings. We do this by looking for subtle changes in posture and movement that could indicate a problem.

Instrumentation

The Gonstead system uses the Nervoscope. It detects uneven heat distribution along the spine, which can mean inflammation or nerve pressure.

Static Palpation

This involves feeling your spine when it is in a stationary position. We look for swelling, tenderness, tightness, and abnormal textures.

Motion Palpation

We feel your spine while it is in motion. Movement can help us determine how easily or difficultly the segments of you spine move in various positions.

X-Ray Analysis

Taking a series of x-rays in various positions helps our chiropractors visualize the structure of your spine as a whole.

The Gonstead System Overview

Play Video about An illustration of a spine sitting on top of a clipboard with a drawing of a skull behind it.

Gonstead Doctors Get the Job Done

To experience the Gonstead doctor difference at Prather Chiropractic, book an appointment with our incredible team of doctors today.