Gonstead Chiropractic FAQs

What Is Gonstead Chiropractic?

Gonstead Chiropractic is a specific approach to chiropractic care that emphasizes a detailed examination of the spine and musculoskeletal system before determining whether a chiropractic adjustment is appropriate.

The Gonstead System places particular emphasis on identifying specific areas of the spine that demonstrate relevant biomechanical or functional findings. The examination combines information from the patient's history with physical examination findings to develop an individualized approach to care.

The goal is not simply to adjust the area where a patient feels pain. Instead, the Gonstead approach seeks to understand the patient's symptoms in the context of their spinal and musculoskeletal findings and determine whether a specific chiropractic adjustment may be appropriate.

What Makes the Gonstead System Different?

One of the defining characteristics of the Gonstead approach is its emphasis on detailed analysis before the adjustment.

Rather than routinely adjusting the entire spine, the Gonstead approach seeks to identify specific areas that demonstrate examination findings relevant to chiropractic care.

The examination may include several different methods of evaluation, including:

• Detailed patient history
• Visualization and postural observation
• Static palpation
• Motion palpation
• Instrument analysis
• Weight-bearing and structural assessment
• Range-of-motion testing
• Orthopedic testing
• Neurological testing when clinically appropriate
• X-rays when clinically indicated

These findings are considered together rather than relying on a single examination method.

Specificity Is an Important Part of the Gonstead Approach

The Gonstead System places an emphasis on specificity.

The purpose of the examination is to determine whether there are particular spinal or musculoskeletal findings that may be relevant to the patient's condition. When an adjustment is considered appropriate, the doctor selects the technique and area of care based on the individual examination findings.

This approach is different from routinely adjusting the same areas on every patient.

The Gonstead Examination

A Gonstead examination may evaluate more than the location where a patient experiences pain.

For example, a patient with low back pain may also be evaluated for findings involving the lumbar spine, pelvis, sacroiliac region, posture, movement patterns, and related musculature.

Similarly, a patient with neck or shoulder discomfort may require evaluation of the cervical spine, upper back, shoulder mechanics, posture, and neurological findings when appropriate.

This does not mean that every symptom originates in the spine. Instead, the purpose of the broader examination is to determine which findings may be relevant to the patient's individual condition.

Does Gonstead Chiropractic Adjust the Whole Spine?

Not necessarily.

The Gonstead approach emphasizes identifying specific areas that demonstrate relevant examination findings rather than automatically adjusting the entire spine.

The areas examined and treated depend on the patient's history, symptoms, examination findings, and clinical circumstances.

What Happens After the Examination?

After completing the examination, the doctor reviews the findings and discusses them with the patient.

The Report of Findings provides an opportunity to discuss:

• The examination findings
• Possible factors related to the patient's symptoms
• Whether chiropractic care is appropriate
• Recommended treatment options
• Other healthcare evaluation or referral when appropriate

If chiropractic care is appropriate, the doctor can explain the proposed adjustment and answer questions before treatment begins.

Gonstead Chiropractic in Fairfax, Virginia

At NoVA Gonstead Chiropractic in Fairfax, VA, Dr. Kang uses the Gonstead approach as part of an individualized examination and chiropractic care process.

Our goal is to understand each patient's condition through a careful history and examination rather than relying only on the location of pain.

If you are looking for a Gonstead chiropractor in Fairfax, VA for back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches, disc-related problems, posture concerns, or other musculoskeletal conditions, contact NoVA Gonstead Chiropractic to schedule an evaluation.

NoVA Gonstead Chiropractic Clinic
9514 Route 29, Suite B
Fairfax, VA 22031
(703) 359-6262