Q. Dear Dr. Harvey,
I have seen many Chiropractors over the years, and I have noticed that all have different approaches in regards to their diagnosis and treatment. Could you tell me what technique you use?

A: In our clinic we use the Gonstead Technique. It is a very specific system used to analyze and care for the spine. We start with a complete case history and consultation to determine your symptoms and what may have caused them. Auto accidents, heavy lifting, sport injuries and stress are some of the most common causes, however a large percentage of our new patients have no idea what caused their pain, many of them just awoke with it.

During the consultation we also determine what the patients health care goals are. Whether they want pain relief or more comprehensive care along with an exercise and stretching program. We may also give advice in the proper use of vitamins and herbs. I am also a board certified Naturopathic Physician.

Our next step is to take X-rays. We do this on all of our patients, with the exception of pregnant women and very young children. Even though then Gonstead Technique does a very precise analysis of your X-rays, measuring misalignments down to a fraction of a millimeter. By doing this we can best determine exactly where the pressure is on the nerve. We also look at signs of pathology and fracture, evaluate posture, the joints of the spine, look for subluxations and determine the overall health of your spine.

After this complete evaluation we are able to give a report of out findings to the patient and to discuss in detail what it will take to reach our goals. We also do a great deal of education so that the patient fully understands their condition. Once a course of care is agreed upon we start by adjusting the spine. Gonstead is a very specific adjustment which is meant to correct the cause of your condition. One of the main differences is that we always adjust the neck in a seated position not lying down. I find this to be a much more specific and painless approach to the treatment of the cervical spine. We adjust the spine and the extremities by hand only.

In dealing with something as complex as the human body it is crucial to have as much information as possible about the condition that you are treating as possible. Gonstead does just that.

Gonstead is also a very complex system of addressing the case management of the patient. The top doctors in the Gonstead system get together on a regular basis from all over the world to discuss difficult cases and treatment approaches. I have been attending these seminars on a regular basis for over 20 years.

If you have a condition or symptom that you need help with, especially one that has not responded well to other approaches, please give us a call. We have had great success in treating the difficult or hard to treat cases.

If you would like to find out more about the Gonstead Technique and/or find a chiropractor in your area who practices the Gonstead Technique, visit the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society.

©1999 Dr. Harvey / New Life Chiropractic Clinic