Gonsted the "Preferred Chiropractic Technique

Dr. James H. Polsky Jr.

Every engineer knows the importance of a good solid foundation when building a structure. A good foundation insures durability and long life. Any slight change or shift in the foundation can cause a great amount of deviation in the structure above. The same holds true with the human skeleton; it is upon this principle that Dr. Clarence Gonstead developed his technique. The body's foundation, formed by the pelvic girdle, must be considered from the engineering point of view. When it is level, within the anatomical limitations of the individual, there will be a maximum balance and stability in the spinal column. This will allow the forces of gravity to work toward maintaining the chiropractic adjustment instead of working against it.

It is not to be implied that the chiropractor's objective is to straighten the spine.

Since every individual has some structural variations, each spine varies according to those differences. "What is normal for one person may not be normal for another".

The entire basis for the Gonstead Methodology evolves around the intervertebral disc.

All the functions of the body are dependant on the disc. The disc provides flexibility for locomotion and a "window", called the intervertebral foramen, for the spinal nerve roots. These spinal nerve roots can be "choked” from pressure due to a swollen or herniated disc. They may also be compromised when a disc degenerates and tile "window" closes down. This causes the nerve root to dysfunction.

Without the integrity of tile nervous system the body cannot function. According to Gray's Anatomy, "The purpose of the nervous system is to control and coordinate the functions of all organs and systems in the body." Therefore, it is crucial that tile intervertebral disc remains healthy to allow free flow to nerve impulses. Webster's dictionary defines health as "A condition of wholeness in which all the organs are functioning 100% of tile time." This means that degenerated discs are the nervous systems worst enemy.

The Level Foundation Theory is what Gonstead practitioners use to test the integrity of the intervertebral disc. This analysis determines whether or not the thickness of a disc space is proportionately even in thickness. Only when there has been disc damage can a significant finding be associated. This analysis is the utilized in every joint of the human body. The examination includes five comprehensive tests: visualization, static palpation, motion palpation, thermocouples and Xray. Only when the foundation, either pelvic or vertebral, is misaligned can a damaged intervertebral disc be diagnosed and tested.

The Gonstead Methodology is designed to repair the disc via a back to front line of adjustment rather then a rotational adjustment that fails to mobilize the intervertebral disc. The reason why the back to front line of adjustments is utilized is because this is the first direction of misalignment of a vertebra after an intervertebral disc is damaged.

Therefore, It is a crucial that the vertebra be adjusted in this manner in order to repair the disc.

Dr. Gonstead developed the Gonstead Methodology in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin during his 56 years of chiropractic practice from 1923-1979.

His early beliefs and findings have provided the fundamental building blocks for today's Gonstead Practitioners. For more information on the Gonstead Methodology or for your nearest Gonstead Chiropractor call (512) 321-3310.

For better health,

Dr. James H. Polsky Jr.