What a Gonstead adjustment involves, and why it is specific

What specific means here

Most people picture a chiropractic visit as a general loosening of the back. A Gonstead visit is not that. The method is built to answer one question before anything else happens: which joint has changed in position or movement, and does that joint account for the symptoms you came in with. The analysis uses five separate criteria, and no single finding is acted on by itself.^[1]

The appointment includes time for your history, examination and discussion of the findings before any proposed adjustment.

Five readings, taken separately

Each of the five criteria is a different way of reading the same spine, and each is used to cross reference the others rather than to stand on its own.^[1]

• Visualisation. Posture and movement, watched closely. How you stand, sit, walk and turn is a cross reference for everything else the examination turns up.
• Instrumentation. A handheld instrument called the Nervoscope is guided down either side of the spine to compare skin temperature side to side. It feels like two fingers gliding down your back.
• Static palpation. The spine felt at rest, level by level, for swelling, tenderness, and changes in the tone and texture of the tissues around it.
• Motion palpation. The same joints felt while the spine is moved and bent at different angles, so it is clear how easily each segment moves in each direction.
• X-ray analysis. Films where imaging is indicated, taken standing and weight bearing, showing structure, joint and disc integrity and alignment.

The first four are hands-on and part of every examination. Imaging is the fifth, and it is used only where the examination calls for it.^[1]

How the level gets chosen

A warm reading on the instrument with nothing underneath it, or a tender spot at a joint that moves perfectly well, is not enough on its own. The level that gets adjusted is the one where the readings agree with each other and with the history you gave at the start of the appointment.

The examination considers your symptoms alongside posture, movement and other findings. Dr Arthur explains the proposed next steps before you decide.

What the adjustment itself feels like

A Gonstead adjustment is a movement delivered by hand to a selected area of the spine. The proposed technique, positioning and risks are discussed before care. Tell Dr Arthur if you are uncomfortable or want to stop.

You are told what was found and what is about to happen before it happens. If you would rather not be adjusted on the day, say so, and we talk about it instead.

Why the examination takes the time it does

Allow about 45 minutes for a first appointment. This includes the history, examination and time to discuss findings and options.

What it is not

The proposed care depends on the individual assessment. The response to care and the number of visits vary between people.

Where this sits in a first visit

The five criteria are not a separate service. They are what a first appointment consists of: your history, the full examination, X-rays only if clinically indicated, and a report of findings in plain language. If a first adjustment is clinically indicated, it happens at that visit.

There is more on the method on the Gonstead System page, and on the appointment itself in what to expect at your first visit. If the reason you are reading this is a stiff, sore neck, start with neck pain.