Chiropractic care goes far beyond a simple system of “putting a vertebrae back into place.”  It is, rather, a scientific process of carefully analyzing the patient and their health problems on the basis of all available information and then deciding on the proper corrective steps.  This analysis includes: case history; symptoms; spinal x-rays; instrument readings; palpating or examining the patient’s spine studying in the spine visually; and when indicated, special diagnostic tests.The Gonstead Concept of Chiropractic begins with a basic principle of physics.  Every engineer, architect, builder, and carpenter knows the importance of a proper foundation in constructing a building, for this ensures durability and a long life.  Any slight change or shift in the foundation can cause a great amount of deviation in the top part of this structure and ultimately, perhaps, its collapse.

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 their proper position, dramatic changes may occur in the body.

These misalignments can cause pressure on the discs that separate the vertebrae. (The condition of the disc is the key to the patient’s health problem in many cases.)  Vertebrate 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 efficiently.

In order to more fully understand what occurs, we should know that the discs are really pads between the vertebrae and consists of a spongy substance surrounded by fibers of cartilage.  When there is misalignment in a vertebrae, 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 often become inflamed and impede the proper transmission of impulses to the section of the body controlled by these nerves.  A seemingly endless list of ailments and pain may be brought about by the subluxations.

Generally misaligned vertebrae in the spine are easily recognized, particularly those in the upper portion of the spine.  However, less easily found and often overlooked 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 complete and lasting results, all of the misaligned vertebrae must be identified and then a program initiated to restore them to their normal position.  Every chiropractic case presents a different and unique combination of misaligned vertebrae.