Gonstead

The Gonstead Concept of chiropractic begins with a basic bio-mechanical principle of physics. Every engineer, architect, builder, and carpenter know the importance of a proper foundation to ensure durability and long life. Changes or shifts in the foundation can cause deviation in the top part of the structure and, perhaps, ultimately, failure. The body’s foundation is formed by the pelvic girdle. When this bony structure consisting of hip bones and the lower bones of the back is level, there will be maximum balance and stability in the spinal column. When the pelvic girdle or any of the vertebrae (bones making up the spinal column) become tilted or rotated out of proper position, changes may occur in the body, causing pressure on the discs that separate the vertebrae. Vertebra can become misaligned either from the cumulative effects of several minor episodes or from a single accident. Nature frequently is able to cope with these jolts to the spinal column without assistance. Sometimes, though, vertebrae tilted or rotated out of their normal position can be too much for nature to deal with effectively. In order to more fully understand what occurs, we should know that the discs are really pads between the vertebrae and consist of a spongy substance surrounded by fibers of cartilage. When there is misalignment of a vertebra, there is uneven pressure on the disc causing it to swell and protrude (One often hears this referred to as a slipped, herniated or ruptured disc.) Chiropractors call this condition a SUBLUXATION when it results in the pinching or compressing of the nerves that run through that particular area. These compressed nerves can become inflamed and impede the proper transmission of impulses to the section of the body controlled by these nerves. A list of ailments and pain may be brought about by subluxations.

Generally, misaligned vertebrae in the spine are easily recognized, particularly those in the upper portion of the vertebral column. However, less easily found are misalignments in the foundation or lower portions of the spine. The ability to recognize and correct these misalignments forms an integral part of the Gonstead Concept. For example: When the lower portion of the spinal column has misaligned vertebra, the body tries to keep itself and its skeleton upright and straight. Often it compensates by causing a vertebra above to become misaligned. This is the body’s way of attempting to re-establish the normal perpendicular position of the body.  If just the top misaligned vertebra was adjusted, in cases where additional vertebrae are misaligned, only limited relief would be expected. This would not be getting to the source of the trouble. The Gonstead Concept involves identifying and adjusting all of the misaligned vertebrae to restore them to their normal position. Every chiropractic case presents a different combination of misaligned vertebrae.