Gonstead Technique Cervical spine (C2-C7) seated adjustment SAMPLE CASE A 35-year-old male magazine editor presents to the clinic with neck discomfort. He informs the doctor that the pain is usually dull; however, it can be sharp and stabbing especially when checking his blind spot as he drives. He also notifies the doctor that the problem began approximately five years ago, when he began his new job with the maga-zine, and began spending countless hours in front of a computer. The patient informs the doctor that he no longer exercises since he began this job, as he has no time, and of-ten finds himself checking e-mails on his BlackBerry late into the evening. Furthermore, the patient also states that because his job forces him to be seated for a minimum of 10 hours per day, editing documents, the excessive use of the computer mouse aggravates the problem. On physical examination, the doctor notices an anterior head position on visual inspection. An SEMG instrumentation reading detects a significant change present at C2 on the left. Palpation reveals a subluxation present at C2. The doctor is proficient in Gonstead Technique, and labels the subluxation as a C2-PR listing. X-ray analysis as-sists in confirming the palpatory listing. All other radiological and neurological analyses are unremarkable. The doctor seats the patient in a Gonstead chair, takes specific con-tacts on the C2 vertebrae and proceeds to thrust perpendicular to the spine and in line with the disc plane. How does a chiropractor who is not trained in Gonstead interpret a spinal listing? Why is a Gonstead chair utilized in a cervical adjustment? In this edition of Technique Toolbox, I will explain these questions as we explore the Gonstead Technique. BUT FIRST, SOME REVIEW In the April 2011 issue of Canadian Chiropractor , I presented an overview and a bit his-tory for this technique. However, as some background information and fundamental concepts are required to truly understand it, I would like to take a few minutes, now, to review that material. The Gonstead Technique was developed by Dr. Clarence S. Gonstead in the early 1920s. Before entering into chiropractic, Clarence had been studying engineering un-til his education was interrupted by the FirstWorld War. At that time, he was drafted into the military and served as an aviation technician. When he returned from service, Clarence re-entered the university setting. While a student, Gonstead became disabled from rheumatic fever. He sought the expertise of medical doctors, but medicine was unable to help him. Chiropractic care, enabled him to resume his Dr. Gonstead’s intention however, studies within a month. Clarence then was to create a full spine pursued a chiropractic education, and system that was detailed began practice in 1923. 1 From this in its analysis and specific point onward, Dr. Gonstead was an innovator in the profession. Through in its adjustments. his clinical research, he created the Gonstead Chiropractic Technique which has been incorporated into several chiropractic colleges since its inception. Dr. Gonstead was so successful at using his system of analysis and correction of subluxations that he had to construct an inn to lodge the abundance of patients that came to his clinic in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin for treatment. In the Gonstead Technique, the chiropractor conducts a thorough analysis of a pa-tient’s spine using five criteria to detect vertebral subluxations: case history, static and motion palpation, instrumentation and full spine X-ray analysis. Following this, and due to the fact that each patient is different, a descriptive annotation or “listing” is assigned. (Listings were created and developed to denote the specific characteristics of movement www.canadianchiropractor.ca Dr. John Minardi is a 2001 graduate of Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. A Thompson-certified practi-tioner and instructor, he is the cre-ator of the Thompson Technique Seminar Series and author of The Complete Thompson Textbook – Minardi Integrated Systems. In addi-tion to his busy lecture schedule, Dr. Minardi operates a successful pri-vate practice in Oakville, Ontario. E-mail [email protected], or visit www.ThompsonChiropractic Technique.com. John Minardi, BHK, DC 12 • CANADIAN CHIROPRACTOR | FEBRUARY 2012
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