Gonstead and Your Health

Allergies

Allergies are a disorder of the immune system. The immune system overreacts to a typically non-harmful substance (cat dander, pollen, peanuts, dairy products, dust, molds, etc.), and initiates a response to neutralize and flush out the allergen. The results of this immune response are swelling, itching, runny nose and eyes, sneezing, diarrhea, to name a few. The immune system is highly effective in ridding the body of what it perceives as harmful.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Allergies

Chiropractic is not a treatment for allergies per se, but it has helped allergy sufferers for years. Chiropractic aims to remove interference to the nervous system by specifically correcting a condition called subluxation. What controls the immune system? Many things including your spleen, bone marrow, adrenal glands to name a few. What controls all of these things? It is your brain and nervous system. In 1993 a group of researchers at the University of Calgary discovered a group of cells at the top of the spinal cord that form a direct pathway from the nervous system to the immune system. Any interference to this pathway would likely result in an improperly functioning immune system. A chiropractic study found that specific upper neck adjustments in HIV positive patients led to a 48% increase in CD4 cells (immune cells) over a 6-month duration. Preliminary studies have found that adjustments enhance the activity of IgA, IgG, IgM, and phagocytic cell respiratory bursts (all immune system functions). A properly functioning immune system is less likely to produce allergy symptoms.

Asthma/Breathing Problems

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways. When exposed to “triggers” such as dust, pet dander, smoke, or cold air, the airways constrict and may produce excess mucous hampering airflow. This makes it more difficult to breath and can lead to coughing, wheezing, and in rare circumstances even death. Deaths from asthma have greatly increased lately. The increasing dependence and over usage of medication are thought to be contributing factors to this increase in death. Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Breathing

The nervous system directly controls breathing and airway constriction/ dilation. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is common in asthmatic sufferers. Mobility of the thoracic spine has been shown to directly effect respiratory function. Gonstead doctors correct subluxations in the spine which can irritate the nerve supply to the lungs and airways.
In a study of 81 asthmatic children, 73 showed significant improvement after chiropractic adjustments; 25 of them voluntarily decreased their medication by an average of 66.5%. Several reports have shown lung volume to increase after chiropractic care. In another study of patients with chronic pulmonary disease (including bronchitis and emphysema) over 90 % reported improvement in symptoms after spinal care.

Bedwetting

Bedwetting, also called nocturnal enuresis, is defined as persistent, involuntary urination while sleeping without any evidence of abnormality in the urinary system. A widely accepted view is that the child has failed to learn to awaken to the bladder pressure and volume before the bladder automatically empties. Keep in mind it is your nervous system that relays the information from the bladder to the brain. Although nocturnal enuresis is common during the first few years after toilet training, most children do outgrow bed-wetting. It generally becomes a problem when the child is 5 or older and has bladder control during the day but urinates in his/her bed at night.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Bed-wetting

For many years parents have been telling Gonstead chiropractors that soon after their child spine was adjusted their bed-wetting stopped. Gonstead chiropractors specifically remove interference to the nervous system by reducing irritation from spinal misalignments called subluxations. Interestingly, part of the nerve supply to the bladder stems from nerves traveling through the sacrum. As an adult the sacrum fuses into one bone, but as a child it consists of 5 movable spinal segments, all which can subluxate or misalign such as from a fall on the bottom. This can result in nerve irritation and miscommunication between the bladder and brain.

Degenerative Arthritis

The term “arthritis” is a broadly used, and commonly misunderstood term. For this section we will discuss the most common form of arthritis, which is osteoarthritis (also called degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease, DJD, or spondylosis in the spine). Degenerative arthritis affects almost everyone to some extent over the age of 50, and for this reason we often say, “it is just part of getting old.” Unfortunately many people accept unnecessary amounts of pain thinking they are just too old. Degenerative arthritis occurs when the cartilage in a joint begins to break down causing stress to the sensitive bone tissue the cartilage lines and protects. This leads to a gradual breakdown of the joint. Boney ridges (called osteophytes or bone spurs), then develop due to the abnormal mechanics of the joint. These bone spurs can put pressure to soft tissues or delicate nerves which can affect the function of internal organs. Given enough time the cartilage will wear away completely and the joint will fuse. Causing factors of arthritis include subluxation, past trauma, occupation, activities, weight, diet, and heredity. Symptoms of DJD range from slight stiffness to severe pain.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Arthritis

It is interesting to note that osteoarthritis always develops in specific joints, and not evenly through the entire body. For instance a person may have one arthritic knee, but not two, or they may have arthritis in the lower neck, but not the entire spine. If degenerative arthritis were simply part of getting older it would affect all joints in the body equally. The majority of elderly people still have many joints in their spine and body that have no arthritis at all. The reason only some joints are affected is because of increased stresses to those joints resulting from biomechanical problems. One such common problem is a spinal subluxation (abnormal position and motion in a spinal joint producing nerve irritation). With a subluxation the joint loses its full range of motion and in essence becomes fixated or “stuck”. In each cartilage-containing joint a lubricating fluid called synovial fluid exists to keep the cartilage healthy. It works much like motor oil in your car. Movement in the joint replenishes the supply of synovial fluid. A stuck joint will have a decreased production of this lubricating fluid causing the cartilage to become dry, brittle, and lead to breakdown. Gonstead chiropractic helps to reestablish normal motion and mechanics in arthritic joints allowing for increased range of motion and slowing of the degenerative process. Studies have even shown a reversal in degenerative arthritis  through chiropractic care.

Elbow Pain

The most common sources of localized elbow pain stem form either nerve pressure or tendonitis. Nerves which exit the cervical spine travel through a bundle called the brachial plexus and run through the shoulder, wrist and fingers. Irritation to these nerves can lead to referred pain anywhere along this nerve path. Nerve pain is typically a sharp, radiating, “tooth ache” type of pain. Tendonitis is very common in the elbow and is commonly referred to as tennis elbow (tendonitis on the outside or lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (tendonitis on the inside or medial epicondylitis). The damage that tennis or golfer’s elbow incurs consists of tiny tears in the tendon and muscle covering. This usually results from trauma, repetitive motion, or overuse. The small tears may heal and tear repeatedly leading to hemorrhaging and the formation of rough, granulated fibrous tissue (scar tissue) and calcium deposits within the surrounding tissues. Collagen, a protein, leaks from the injured area causing inflammation. The resulting pressure can result in pinching of the radial or ulnar nerves which run through the elbow. Tendons, which attach muscles to bones, do not receive the same amount of blood and oxygen as muscle does and consequently heals more slowly. Symptoms of tendonitis include pain in the upper forearm just below the bend of the elbow, reduced range of motion, and increased pain with lifting or bending the arm or grasping objects.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Elbow Pain

Gonstead doctors aim to find the cause or causes of a patient’s health concern. For elbow pain this means not just examining the elbow itself, but also the nerve pathways running to and through the elbow to rule out irritation as well as the wrist and shoulder. Alignment issues are critical for optimum elbow function, and Gonstead doctors are some of the few health care providers who evaluate for subluxation in the elbow. A subluxated elbow can predispose it to tendonitis by altering the normal mechanics of the joint putting unnecessary strain to the tendons. Chiropractic’s success with shoulder, arm and hand problems is well documented.

Fibromyalgia

The term “Fibromyalgia” was put into use in 1976 and is used to describe a variety of symptoms from chronic pain in muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as well as severe fatigue, sleep disorders, irritable bowel, depression, anxiety, chronic headaches, dizziness, confusion, severe menstrual cramps, sensitive skin, muscle twitches, dry eyes and mouth, and numbness in hands and feet. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is typically given to someone who has definite health problems for which medical doctors can give no definitive diagnosis. Some of the most recent theories on fibromyalgia state that it may be due to an under-responsive autonomic nervous system. This system is the manner in which the brain controls such automatic bodily functions as breathing and heart rate. Studies have found that fibromyalgia sufferers have abnormally high amounts of substance P in the spinal fluid, and therefore feel more pain than the average person at similar levels of stimulation. Other chemical hallmarks of this disorder include low serotonin, too much cortisol, not enough growth hormone, and beta-endorphin levels about half of normal. All of these hormone levels are controlled by glands which are controlled by the autonomic nervous system.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Fibromyalgia

Gonstead chiropractors’ primary goal is to normalize the function of the nervous system by removing interference. Proper communication between the brain and body ensures increased body function. Dr. Fredrick Wolfe, a respected rheumatologist and well-known investigator of fibromyalgia, found patients received more benefit from lifestyle modifications than from medical interventions. In his study chiropractic scored among the most effective treatments with 45.9% reporting great improvement and only 16.2% reporting no improvement. Another study compared chiropractic, medicine and placebo. The study did show some symptomatic benefit from medication, but reported “manipulation also improved the patients’ overall sense of well-being”. Yet another preliminary study reports a lessening of pain intensity, and improvement in sleep quality and fatigue levels in women with fibromyalgia who underwent chiropractic care.

Headaches

Headaches occur in nearly all ages and walks of life. There are many types of headaches from sinus to migraines to toxic to the most common type, the tension or “stress” headache, which accounts for about 90% of all headaches. Headaches are one of the most common complaints people have- some estimates suggest 25% of the population have one right now! The commonality of headaches make many believe that they are a normal part of life, but in actuality they a warning sign that there is a problem. Unfortunately the common practice of suppressing these warning signals with pain medication is becoming a multi-billion dollar industry. Often times this practice of not addressing the cause and masking symptoms exacerbates the problem by causing what is known as the rebound effect. Even common medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and Tylenol taken as little as 2 times per week can lead to rebound headaches. Pain receptors are desensitized by pain medications, and when these chemicals wear off the pain receptors become hypersensitive leading to more frequent meds at higher doses. There are numerous reports of people progressing up to 50 tablets per day for rebound headaches.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Headaches

It is common knowledge that chiropractic helps headaches. Gonstead doctors are not interested in suppressing headaches, but in finding their cause. A team of surgeons has recently discovered that the membranes covering the brain actually attach directly to small muscles of the neck. They conclude, “An increasing body of literature relates headaches to pathology affecting the cervical spine and a number of clinical trials have demonstrated that chiropractic…is valuable for managing headaches.” One study of 6000 headache sufferers (2-25 years of age) revealed that neck injury was a common link and should be suspected in every nonspecific case of headache. Gonstead chiropractic offers a safe and specific means of reducing irritation in the neck which can cause headaches.

Heartburn/Digestive Health

Your digestive system is one long tube, which runs from your mouth to your anus with the primary function of breaking down your food to extract what is needed to make your body work. Heartburn occurs when some food reverses course and moves from the stomach up to the esophagus. Chronic stomach pain (dyspepsia) occurs when the stomach’s powerful acids begin to irritate the stomach lining either from a breakdown in the protective mucous layer or overproduction of hydrochloric acid. This can eventually lead to ulcers, which is when the acids begin to eat the stomach or intestinal wall. Underproduction of stomach acid can lead to problems of nutrient absorption. For instance having enough stomach acid is crucial to calcium absorption. All digestive organs are controlled and regulated by the nervous system, which tells your stomach to produce just the right amount of acid to maintain health and balance. It also controls your mouth, tongue, esophagus, throat, pyloric valve, intestines, pancreas, liver, gall bladder, and other organs to maintain proper body functions.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Digestive Health

To put it simply, each digestive organ has two nervous signal inputs. One says, “slow down” the other says, “speed up”. These are referred to as the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. An imbalance in these signals can cause malfunctions. For instance a dominance of parasympathetic signals to the intestine can lead to hyper motility or diarrhea while a sympathetic dominance can lead to under activity or constipation. Gonstead doctors pay special attention to balancing these systems by removing interference from spinal misalignment (subluxation) from both. In a study, gastroenterologists found 72% of patients with abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and heartburn had spinal subluxations in the area that supply nerves to these organs. Another study of 100 patients with ulcers found that the spine seemed to play a part. The patients were found to have scoliosis (spinal curvature/subluxation) at the area of the spine, which supplies sympathetic nerves to the stomach. If the curve was to the left the ulcer was gastric and if the curve was to the right the ulcer was duodenal. Those with “S” curves had ulcers of both types. A pilot study has demonstrated improvements in patients with duodenal ulcer who received chiropractic care. The researchers concluded, “Manipulation to remove spinal dysfunction not only relieves pain, but has a healing effect significantly better than standard drug therapy.”

Herniated Disc

The spine contains 23 spacers between the vertebrae called the discs. These discs are composed of two portions. The central portion is a pulpy, gel-like material called the nucleus pulposis. Forming a flexible, closed container around the nucleus is the annulus fibrosis which consists of cartilage rings which adhere strongly to each spinal bone. When these cartilage rings become damaged and fissured, the inner nucleus can seep into these fissure and cause the edge of the disc to bulge and put direct pressure on delicate nerves. The term “slipped disc” is inaccurate in that discs do not slip, but actually bulge or herniate. The annulus fibrosis can become damaged through subluxation and lack of movement in a spinal joint. Lack of motion in a spinal joint will inhibit the disc’s normal pumping action causing it to dehydrate. The dehydrated cartilage becomes brittle and is prone to cracks and fissures. Disc herniations can lead to excruciating pain. Common medical treatments include corticosteroid shots, nerve blocks and spinal surgery.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Disc Herniations

Flexion and rotary forces put a great deal of stress on the disc. Many chiropractic adjusting procedure involve combinations of these types of forces leading many medical professional to advise against chiropractic care for herniated discs. Gonstead adjustments involve no flexion forces and little to no rotary forces. The thorough Gonstead analysis allows the doctor to determine specifically how a vertebra has misaligned and how the disc has been affected (remember the disc is strongly attached to the vertebrae meaning one moves along with the other). The Gonstead adjustment is delivered with unmatched accuracy to help restore proper motion in the subluxated spinal bone and relieving the disc’s pressure on the nerves. Research has shown that “the care of intervertebral disc herniation by chiropractic adjustment is both safe and effective.”

Hip Pain

When we use the term "hip joint," most people are actually referring to more than one joint. The true hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint where the head (ball) of the thigh bone (femur) meets the acetabulum (socket) of the hip. Another is the sacroiliac joint, formed where the sacrum meets the ilium. Dr. Gonstead was one of the first people to recognize the sacroiliac joints as movable joints. All of these joints are part of the pelvic structure and therefore biomechanically influence one another. The true hip joint can commonly be affected by wear and tear arthritis (degenerative arthritis) which is characterized by a wearing away of the cartilage in the joint. As the protective cartilage is worn away, bare bone is exposed within the joint leading to stiffness, pain and sometimes hip replacement surgery. The sacroiliac joints are also prone to arthritis as well as subluxation, and are a common cause of low back pain.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Hip Pain

Gonstead doctors pay close attention to sacroiliac alignment, hip range of motion and leg lengths to ensure a level and structurally sound foundation. Maintaining movement and a maximum range of motion in these joints is essential in preventing degenerative changes. Pelvic alignment is also of major importance for expectant mothers. Studies have shown that properly aligned sacroiliac joints, hip and spine will ensure a more comfortable pregnancy, a safer and easier delivery and post-partum recovery. Gonstead doctors are experts in identifying and correcting mechanical disturbance in the hip joints which lead to pain and malfunction.

Infertility

Infertility is distinct from sterility in that it implies the potential for pregnancy. The question arises as to what the cause of interference in physiological function is. Infertility is increasing in our country with a large percentage of those who have difficulty conceiving having no organic findings. Patients are becoming increasingly discouraged with medical approaches and are consulting alternative means with more frequency than ever. With infertility issues it is good to rule out organic causes (tumors, pelvic adhesions, lack of sperm motility, etc), and address lifestyle factors which reduce the likelihood of conception (stress, poor nutrition, over-exercising, libido reducing medications, etc).

Gonstead Chiropractic and Infertility

Interference in body function, as viewed by the application of chiropractic principles, suggests interference in nervous system function (the body’s controlling system) and is approached by detecting any vertebral subluxation. A healthy, interference-free nervous system helps maintain the delicate hormonal balance necessary to conceive. The pelvic structure must ideally be in optimum alignment because numerous ligaments attach the uterus to the pelvic bones. How well could the uterus function if it is twisted or under stress? Preliminary research concludes that “ female sterility with negative organic findings may be attributable to pelvic dysfunction and adequate treatment (by manipulation) gives favorable results.” Research concerning infertility and chiropractic is currently limited, but case studies abound describing wonderful results that patients are having.

Knee Pain

The knee is the largest and one of the most complex joints in the body. It is also one of the most common joints to suffer injury and cause disability. Problems with the knee can be classified as 1) poor mechanics 2) trauma and overuse, and 3) arthritic changes. Problems 2 and 3 are closely linked with number 1. Nearly all knee problems revolve around mechanical issues which put abnormal amounts of stress to soft tissues (tendons, ligaments, and cartilage) of the knee. Common examples of abnormal mechanics include subluxation (knee, sacroiliac, lumbar spine, or foot), muscular imbalance (especially quadriceps which can cause patellar mistracking), muscular tightness, and foot problems (pronation, flat arches, high heels, etc.). Trauma to the knee many times initiates mechanical problems which, if left uncorrected, will lead to problems. Degenerative arthritis is a classic example. Years of poor biomechanics will cause knee cartilage to wear out and bones will begin to rub upon one another causing bone spurs, pain, and sometimes even knee surgery. Recently, arthroscopic knee surgery for osteoarthritis (performed 200,000 times per year) has been shown to be no more effective than sham surgery.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Knee Pain

The Gonstead doctor addresses aspects of the knee which are many times overlooked. Subluxations in the sacroiliac joints, lumbar spine (which affect spinal nerves to the knee) and foot must be addressed to ensure proper knee function. Gonstead chiropractic adds adjustments to the knee itself (if indicated) to help restore motion and release tissues that may be pinched or caught between the bones. Muscular imbalances are also important and are positively affected by removing subluxations. Studies have shown that muscular inhibition (a common cause of anterior knee pain) is improved by adjusting the sacroiliac joint. Many Gonstead doctors are equipped to prescribe orthotics when indicated or can refer to an appropriate health care provider.

Low Back Pain

About 85% of the population will experience disabling lower back pain at least once in their lives. The estimated cost of this problem is over $50 billion per year. Low back pain often comes on suddenly and for no apparent reason. The lumbar spine takes an enormous amount of stress in that it connects the upper half of your body to the lower half and is involved in twisting and bending motions between the two. The normal curve in the small of your lower back, called the lumbar lordosis, allows for structural stability. The common cultural activities of forward bending and long hours of sitting put adverse stress to this curve. Postural stresses and /or trauma commonly lead to a mechanical disturbance called subluxation (a spinal bone which loses its normal position and motion leading to nerve irritation). The subluxation leads to stiffness, inflammation, muscle tension/spasm and nerve irritation. Many times a subluxation is incorrectly diagnosed as a sprain or strain because of the muscular pain associated with it. Muscle spasms in the spine are typically a protective mechanism protecting the more vital underlying problem. Long-term subluxation is typified by intermittent painful episodes, and can lead to disc herniations and degenerative arthritis because of progressive wear and tear from abnormal spinal mechanics. Unfortunately, low back pain is commonly addressed from a symptomatic approach (muscle relaxers, pain killers, massage, traction, ultrasound, corticosteroid injections, etc.) rather than addressing the cause by correcting the biomechanical disturbance and making lifestyle modifications. WebMD.com has recommended the best choice for low back pain to be chiropractic care.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Low Back Pain

Even antagonists of chiropractic agree that chiropractic is the choice for low back pain. In 1994, after reviewing a wealth of large scale studies, the federal government made a definitive pronouncement that chiropractic is one of the preferred and most effective treatments for acute adult low back pain. Controlled, scientific studies conducted by medical physicians comparing chiropractic with medical care, physical therapy, and non-surgical therapy for the back show that doctors of chiropractic relieve chronic and severe pain, both immediate and long term, in one half the time it takes medical physicians. Gonstead chiropractic aims to address the cause of low back pain rather than just suppress symptoms. The difference between Gonstead chiropractic and other chiropractic and osteopathic techniques is that a Gonstead adjustment is aimed at the specific problem spinal joint only, rather than manipulating the entire region.

Middle Back Pain

The thoracic spine is the 12 vertebra which correspond to the chest area. The thoracic spine is different in form and function than the lumbar and cervical portions of the spine. While the neck and lower back are designed to provide us with mobility, the middle back is designed to be very strong and stable to allow us to stand upright and protect vital internal organs as well as the nerves which supply those organs. From each thoracic vertebra extends a pair of ribs, which wrap around to the anterior of the chest cavity. Most episodes of mid-back pain are a result of injury, overuse, misuse, abnormal spinal alignment or degeneration (hunchback). When the spinal bones become misaligned or movement is restricted the result is a common condition called vertebral subluxation. Ribs can also become subluxated or misaligned where they attach to the thoracic vertebrae. This often results in “trigger points” of pain causing the muscles of the mid-back to tighten and knot. The sharp, jabbing nature of the pain can refer to the front side of the rib cage and mimic heartburn or even heart attack.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Middle Back Pain

With a chiropractic adjustment your Gonstead doctor specifically moves misaligned or restricted spinal joints, which helps relax the connecting muscles and improves mobility. Adjustments help to maintain the integrity of the joint cartilage, improve the metabolism of the intervertebral disk and prevent premature degenerative changes. In addition, the nerve supply to many of the body’s organs (stomach, liver, intestines, gall bladder, etc.) branch from the thoracic spine, and irritation to these nerves can lead to malfunction in the body. The chiropractic adjustment aims to rid the body of such nerve irritation allowing for a better functioning, healthy body.

Migraines

The migraine headache is a disorder categorized by repeated, debilitating attacks with varying levels of intensity, frequency and duration. Migraines are commonly associated with throbbing and intense head pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, as well as neurological and mood disturbances. Two types of migraines have been defined; classical and common. The classical migraine is the type precluded or accompanied by visual disturbances (auras, flashes of light, etc.) and possible numbness and motor skills disturbances. The common migraine does not have such well-defined symptoms of neurological disturbance. These may present as a headache with nausea. Migraine sufferers typically report that “nothing helps” once one has set in, and experience little benefit from painkillers.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Migraines

Gonstead chiropractic aims to remove the cause of a person’s problem and not just treat a particular disease or mask a symptom. Because there are varying types of migraines, there are also varying causes. Since one-third of migraine sufferers benefit from dietary modification, one must rule out dietary triggers, which a Gonstead doctor has the knowledge to do. More important, though, is to look for signs of nervous system interference. For years chiropractors have had wonderful results with migraine patients by reducing stress to the nervous system and improving body function. In one study chiropractic care resulted in a reduction of 90% of migraine episodes and a drop of 94% in use of medication. Researchers are agreeing more and more that the cause of most migraines is a neurological disturbance. Gonstead doctors look for a variety of possible subluxations (not just the neck) which can affect body chemistry and cause migraines.

Neck Pain

Most who suffer from neck pain tend to try and blame the condition on a single incident (poor pillow or bad night’s sleep, turning head too fast, etc.). The truth is most neck problems stem from years of accumulated micro trauma caused by lifestyle factors. Some neck pain does occur as the result of traumatic events (see whiplash), but the increase in sedentary lifestyle combined with spending hours hunched over books and computers which begins in childhood has a negative effect on the normal structural curve of the neck (called a lordosis). This curve should have a slight forward bend (similar to the shape of a banana) which allows for ideal weight bearing of the head (about the weight of a bowling ball) over the shoulders and thoracic spine. As this curve diminishes the weight of the head will tend to fall farther and farther forward putting increased stress on the spine and muscles. The levator scapula muscles which connect at the base of the skull and attach to the upper shoulder blades work harder to accommodate this extra burden leading to chronically tight and sore shoulders. The shifting posture increases the likelihood for subluxation in the neck which can lead to nerve pressure and herniated discs.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Neck Pain

Research is mixed on the effectiveness of chiropractic care for neck pain. Nearly all studies show benefits, ie: some indicate chiropractic is superior to physical therapy, medication, or acupuncture, and others showing the benefit of chiropractic is equal to physical therapy or painkillers. The problem with these studies is that the form of chiropractic being tested is manipulation which involves rotary forces (twisting the head). The Gonstead adjustment for neck subluxation does not involve these rotary forces, and is therefore safer, and has been shown to clinically help dramatically with neck pain and increase range of motion. Many who fear neck adjustments find the Gonstead method to be very comfortable.

Numbness and Tingling

We confront the world neither directly or precisely, but from a brain linked to what is “out there” by a few million fragile sensory nerve fibers, our only information channels, and our lifelines to reality. Many people experience numbness or a lack of sensation at some point in their life. It may be an “arm going to sleep” or a “pins and needles” sensation. This occurs when a sensory nerve becomes impinged leading to a decrease in input from that nerve to the brain. The impingement must be removed for normal sensation to return. If the impingement has been longstanding or severe it can cut, tear or damage the nerve which leads to ongoing or even permanent numbness. A peripheral sensory nerve (one that supplies the periphery of the body, i.e. not part of the brain or spinal cord) will go through a repair process when the insult is removed. This process is slow at first (about 4 mm/day). The spine is one of the most common places for an irritated nerve to occur due to subluxation or a herniated disc. One can experience numbness in the shoulder, arm, or fingers (commonly diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome) because of nerve pressure in the cervical spine (see also neck pain), or the ribcage or middle back due to the thoracic spine (see also mid back pain), or in the buttock, leg or foot due to the lumbar spine (see also low back pain). It is important to note that one can have numbness originating from the spine but not have spinal pain because some fibers perceive pain (nociceptors) while others perceive sensation (mechanoreceptors). One can have mechanoreceptor irritation without nociceptor irritation and vise versa.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Numbness

The chief concern of Gonstead chiropractors is to remove nerve interference. Gonstead doctors use specific means to remove nerve irritation without invasive drugs, shots, or surgery. Several studies show the benefits of chiropractic care for nerve irritation and numbness. One such study revealed 90% of sciatic patients (sciatic nerve irritation from the lumbar spine, causing pain and/or numbness) experienced relief, while another showed patients experiencing a 50% reduction in sciatic symptoms within 16 days of care. Specific spinal adjustments help to normalize spinal reflexes, which are a means for the body to relay messages from the body to the spinal cord and vise versa.

Pinched Nerve

“Pinched nerve” is actually a lay or common term and is not considered an accurate or scientific term for describing what happens. Nerves are rarely affected by a direct pinching process, but are more often compressed, irritated, tensioned, stretched, or experience interference. Nerves can be compressed or impinged by bone, tumors, disc bulges, or fibrotic (scar) tissue to name a few. Pressure on a nerve can result in malfunction of that nerve. This is why Gonstead chiropractors like to more accurately use the terms “interference” or “irritation.” A subluxation in the spine leads to abnormal motion of that joint. This motion can interfere with what are called spinal reflexes. Spinal reflexes are a way for the body to relay messages from the body to the spinal cord and vice versa. A fixed or stuck vertebra can cause these impulses to become scrambled.
Nerve interference whether from compression, or irritation, may or may not be painful. Only 8% of the billions of nerve fibers in our body are the sensory type which perceive pain (called nociceptors). We also have motor nerves controlling our movement and muscles; autonomic nerves which control organs and visceral functions such as heart beat and immune system; and other types of sensory nerves which perceive touch (see also numbness), temperature, vibration and regulate balance. A disturbance in nerve function can lead to severe pain if it so happens that a nociceptor is the nerve that is irritated. Sciatica is a term used to describe pain in the sciatic nerve due to “pinching” in the lower back. Interference in other types of nerves can lead other types of problems.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Pinched Nerves

Those diagnosed with “pinched nerves” should see a Gonstead chiropractor. Gonstead doctors are expects at analyzing the spinal column for subluxation and, through specific adjusting, removing nerve irritation. Medication and epidural steroid injections have been shown to only have temporary relief of symptoms while not removing the “pinching” if a nerve. In a British study of 741 sciatica patients, those receiving spinal adjustments got better than those receiving medical treatment.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine, usually in an ‘S’ shape with the convex to the right in the upper back and to the left in the lower back. Most people have slight scoliotic curves as a result of slight structural abnormalities, trauma, or subluxation. These curves will straighten when that person bends forward or from side to side and are called “functional scoliosis”. True or “structural scoliosis” is usually a more dramatic curvature which does not straighten with movements of the spine. This condition affects from 1-5% of children ages 10 to 14 (60-80% of which are female). Scoliosis predisposes individuals to back pain, headache, and other posture-related disorders. In rare, severe cases, the curvature can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems due to a lack of space from the deformed ribcage. A scoliosis is classified based on an angle measurement taken from a full spine x-ray. Medical practitioners will typically not intervene until a curve has progressed beyond 20 degrees. Medical interventions include bracing and surgery. The effectiveness of bracing is in question and the debate is currently quite vigorous. Wearing a brace affects appearance, creating self-esteem issues and limits ability to participate in activities. Compliance of 23 hours a day tends to be low, and the effectiveness for scoliosis measuring 15-35 degrees has been shown to be minimal at best. Surgery for scoliosis is a highly invasive procedure, which is usually only utilized for very rare cases which progress rapidly and inhibit organ function.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Scoliosis

There is no practitioner more qualified to diagnose scoliosis than a Gonstead chiropractor who evaluates spines and posture daily and utilizes full spine x-ray regularly. A study in the Journal of the American medical Association concluded that in-school scoliosis screenings were ineffective and stressed that parents and health care practitioners should monitor youngsters for the condition. Medical treatment is limited and therefore waits for a scoliosis to progress (if it is going to) to the point of requiring bracing or surgery. The chiropractic approach involves applying treatment during the mild scoliotic phase in an effort to avoid invasive approaches. The Gonstead doctor evaluates for a number of potential causes such as leg length discrepancy, subluxation, upper neck mechanical problems, vertebral malformation, and others. Gonstead adjustments are highly effective in managing the common complaints associated with scoliosis. A study of 1000 young chiropractic patients found an improvement in curvature in 84%. After the age of 25, bone has completely calcified and any correction becomes more difficult, though symptom management is very effective. In those very rare cases of severe scoliosis, the Gonstead doctor will refer out for the next appropriate step in care.

Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is a complex joint involving 3 different bones and 20 different muscles allowing for a wide range of motion. The main joint of the shoulder (glenohumeral joint) is connected by a group of 4 muscles and their tendon attachments, called the rotator cuff. Problems with the rotator cuff include sports injuries, dysfunction due to muscle imbalance, wear and tear issues leading to fibrotic scar tissue formation, and adhesions. The symptoms from rotator cuff problems can vary to a slight catching or pain to severe pain and frozen shoulder. Because of the wide range of motion of the shoulder joint, structural alignment is also key to the health of the joint. Misalignment or subluxation will lead to premature deterioration of the joint. A third consideration is nerve supply to the shoulder. Many pains in the shoulder actually originate in the cervical spine as the nerves from this region travel to the muscles and other tissues of the shoulder as well as the arm and hand. Irritated nerves in this region can lead to referred pain or cause the muscles in the region to become tight or weak leading to imbalance and dysfunction in the shoulder joint.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Shoulder Pain

The Gonstead doctor is one the few health care providers to analyze and treat all 3 major causes of shoulder pain; nerve irritation, misalignment, and muscular/tendon issues. In addition special rehabilitation exercises may be advised by your doctor to assist in a complete and quicker recovery. Studies have shown positive results with chiropractic and shoulder pain.

Sinus Problems

The sinuses are 8 hollow spaces in the bones of the forehead, cheeks and temples. These spaces are coated with mucous membranes, which drain mucous in the air passages to help trap foreign particles such as dust and microbes. When sinuses become inflamed they cannot drain properly causing back up, pressure and possible infection. Risk factors include chronic allergies, abnormal structure in the sinus area, and rapid changes in altitude/pressure (flying, diving, etc). Sinus headaches cause dull, deep or severe pain in the area of the forehead and cheeks and are typically worse in the morning and better by afternoon. Being that the primary risk to the sinuses is allergies, the root of the cause of sinus problems most often lies in improper function of the immune system. This would explain why many people can breath the same air, and only a few end up with sinus trouble. The immune system over reacts to a begnin element (cat dander, pollen, etc) while at the same time is not able to rid the body of the likely sinus infections which might cause the patient to seek the “aid” of antibiotics.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Sinus Problems

Gonstead chiropractors aim to assist the body in functioning properly by removing interference to the nervous system. Ruling out abnormal structures (nasal polyps or bone spurs), chiropractic becomes a viable alternative for helping people with sinus problems. It is well known that chiropractic is effective for headaches, and numerous studies also point to the relationship between the immune system and nervous system and how chiropractic can enhance the functions of both. In addition the mucous membranes of the sinuses themselves are controlled by the brain and nervous system.

Sleeping Problems

Surveys have shown that between 40 and 60% of the general population had trouble sleeping. Stress, daily worries, body aches, pain, uncomfortable beds or pillows, imbalance of body chemistry, poor diet and a host of other issues can keep one from getting the optimum amount of sleep. Sleep is critical to good health. It is vital in the health of the immune system and in the function of the brain. Through sleep the body regenerates and recharges for the next day. The use of sleeping pills do little to correct the cause of sleeping problems, and can lead to addiction and rebound insomnia Some tips for healthy sleep are: exercise regularly, limit caffeine, eat an early dinner, don’t drink cold water (room temperature is best) at night, keep the bedroom cool and see a Gonstead chiropractor.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Sleeping Problems

Gonstead chiropractors are trained at treating spinal problems that can cause difficult sleep. In addition, Gonstead doctors can offer nutritional and ergonomic advice (pillows and mattress) that can help improve the quality of your sleep. Chiropractic can help with all ages as well. A study involving 211 5-day-olds suffering from sleeplessness found “spinal adjustments frequently resulted in immediate quieting, cessation of crying, muscular relaxation and sleepiness.”

Spinal Fracture

Symptoms of fractures in the spinal column range from slight pain to paralysis and even death. Fractures most commonly occur through trauma, pathology or osteoporosis. Among women ages 50 to 79, 20% have one or more prevalent vertebral fractures typically as a result of osteoporosis. This type of fracture is called a compression fracture in which the body of the spinal bone collapses causing a loss of height and worsening posture (i.e. Dowager’s hump). These fractures, which mostly occur in the thoracic or mid-spine, may present as only mild pain to intense pain. Due to the architecture of the thoracic spine, the neural canal (opening for nerves) is smallest in this area, thereby subjecting its contents (the spinal cord and nerve roots) to damage when a vertebra is either fractured or misaligned. It is important to note that when a spinal bone fractures it inevitably has some degree of subluxation (or misalignment) associated with it. Traumatic spinal fractures are often devastating to an individual and costly to society. There are approximately 10,000 new cases of spinal cord injury each year costing approximately $4 billion annually. Spinal fractures that are not unstable and do not cause significant neurologic deficit can lead to problems later in life if the injury is not properly rehabilitated.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Spinal Fractures

Chiropractic is not a treatment for fractures, but is a treatment for subluxation associated with such fractures. When a fracture is deemed stable and has properly healed, a Gonstead chiropractic evaluation is good idea to rule out any lingering subluxation and joint restriction. The specificity of the Gonstead adjustment is very safe and effective in properly establishing ideal function to a subluxated spinal joint. Numerous case studies document the success of Gonstead chiropractic with stable, but subluxated spinal joints with a history of fracture. These case reports include such symptoms as back pain, headaches, radicular pain and numbness, weakness, tingling, dizziness, insomnia, difficulty breathing, loss of motor control, loss of bowel and bladder control, amenorrhea; all showing improvement with Gonstead chiropractic care.

Spinal Surgery

Spinal surgery is a broad category of procedures which are most often delivered to treat debilitating spinal pain, herniated disks and/or pinched nerves. Historically, spinal surgeries have been highly invasive, costly (approx. $50,000) and yielded less than optimal results. Such techniques include fusion (with plates and screws or bone), removal of portions of a spinal bone (laminectomy), and removal of all or part of a spinal disk (either surgically or with a chemical agent). A syndrome titled “failed low back surgery syndrome” is well acknowledged in scientific literature and it is said 40% of lumbar spinal surgery recipients fail to obtain long-term relief of symptoms. Successful outcome defined as patient satisfaction and sustained relief of at least 50% of pain for 2 years was recorded in only 34% of patients. Some newer surgical techniques (laparoscopy, intradiscal electrothermal annuloplasty, etc) are far less costly and far less invasive, and are having similar results in pain reduction for patients. The problem inherent in spinal surgery is that it does not address the underlying dysfunction (such as subluxation) which caused the problem to begin with.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Spinal Surgery

In its clinical practice guidelines, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHPCR) recommends treating the pain of most acute low back problems with spinal manipulation. It is best to begin with conservative approaches and to progress to more invasive approaches only as necessary. Scientists surveyed 100 individuals with low back pain who underwent chiropractic care. Overall, patients experienced a 50% reduction in low back and leg pain within 16 days. Gonstead chiropractors are experts with difficult cases due to the specificity and safety of the adjustment they deliver. For those who have had spinal surgery without success, chiropractic has shown to have good results. 4% of patients presenting to a chiropractor have had one or more spinal surgeries. Several examples in the literature show positive results with chiropractic and patients with failed spinal surgeries.

Sports Injury

The performance of the body during athletics is more dependent on the spine than any other skeletal structure. The spine serves as a pillar for the body and also supplies the nervous control for the many muscles of the trunk, arms and legs. All athletes, from the weekend warrior to Olympians, want the best possible performance from their body, and to avoid injury. A structurally and mechanically balanced body has a greatly reduced risk of injury. Even the slightest biomechanical issue (pronated foot, misaligned spinal bone (or subluxation), imbalance in the muscles of the rotator cuff, etc, etc, etc) will eventually lead to reduced performance, breakdown, and injury. Athletes often wonder why they get injured, and some never do find the actual cause leading to repeat injury and chronic pain. Various sports require various demands, and some sports are more likely to cause injuries to certain parts of the body. Baseball pitchers commonly injure a shoulder and thoracic spine (especially T5-6); weightlifters have increased risk of spinal arthritis and disc degeneration; basketball players have increased risk of ankle and knee injuries; football players have increased risk of spinal injuries; the neck and low back are the primary areas of injury for golfers; and the list goes on. It is important for athletes to not only treat injuries properly, but to take a proactive approach in evaluating and preparing those areas of the body that will likely carry the most stress.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Sports Injuries

Gonstead chiropractic gives a balanced approach to healing quickly from sports injuries; improving flexibility, rest and stamina; preventing injury; and increasing the body’s ability to perform. One excellent study pertaining to performance compared 2 groups of athletes in training. Each group was measured for increases in agility, perception, power, speed of reaction and speed of movement after 6 weeks. Only one group received chiropractic care. The non-chiropractic group improved their performance by an average of 4.5% while the chiropractic group improved an average of 10.5%. Another study found that athletes that received chiropractic care had on average one more hour of sleep per night than athletes who were given sham or fake chiropractic adjustments. This is important to athletes because improved rest shortens recovery time and improves stamina. Professional athletes know the benefits of chiropractic and it is no wonder the list of endorsements steadily grows. Take it from Tiger Woods, Evander Holyfield, Emmitt Smith, Joe Montana, Lance Armstrong, Olympic gold medalist and world’s greatest athlete, Dan O’Brien, and Arnold Schwarzenegger -“I’m a strong believer in chiropractic… with chiropractic you will be 100%. It’s just fantastic.”

Subluxation

The nervous system is the controlling center of the body. The brain and spinal cord are so important that they are the only organs protected by being totally encased in bone (the skull and vertebral column). Billions of nerve fibers supply every cell, tissue, organ and system of the body. Messages or impulses are relayed through these fibers from the brain to the body and from the body to the brain. With a few exceptions, nerves travel from the brain down the spinal cord. Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves emerge from the spinal cord and exit through holes located between the spinal bones. Each spinal nerve has millions of nerve fibers tightly bundled together, which branch off to supply the systems of the body. The body regulates its functions through these nerves.

A Break in Communication

The nervous system can be negatively affected if proper spinal alignment is altered even slightly between one spinal bone (or vertebra) and another. The area where the spinal nerves exit the spine (the intervertebral foramen) can become narrowed causing pressure, irritation, or stretching of the nerve. Research has shown that very slight pressure can alter the function of a nerve.
In addition, when a vertebra loses its normal position it also loses its ability to move properly. An improperly moving vertebra (or fixed vertebra) has been shown to alter spinal reflexes. Spinal reflexes are a means for the body to relay messages from the body to the spinal cord and vice versa. A fixed vertebra causes these nerve impulses to become scrambled. When a spinal bone loses its proper position and motion this is called a subluxation.

Vertebral Subluxation Complex

A properly functioning nervous system allows the entire body to function at its optimum level. Interference to the nervous system interferes with the function of the body. For example, irritating the nerves going to the stomach or intestines will affect the transmission of nerve impulses from the brain to these organs. This situation may cause a person to suffer from ulcers, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, or other gastro-intestinal conditions. Many individuals do not realize that the underlying cause of their disease condition may actually be a subluxation. A subluxation and the widespread affects it has on the body are collectively called the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

The Vertebral Subluxation Complex is identified by:
1.    A loss of normal position and movement of a spinal vertebra
2.    Irritation to delicate nerve tissue
3.    Muscles that are either tight and spasmed, or weak and atrophied, resulting from structural imbalance and nerve irritation
4.    Localized inflammation and heat
5.    Degeneration occurring over time causing other organs and systems of the body to lose their proper function.

Causes of Subluxation

There are many factors that can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Trauma from car accidents, improper lifting, falls, jolts, or strains are common causes. Sustained postures (sitting all day), repeated motions common to the workplace, inadequate sleep, improper exercise, poor diet, drug side effects and emotional stress are all factors that can gradually wear down parts of the spine and lead to subluxation (see also brochure titled Disc). Subluxations can occur as early as childbirth. The infant’s spine (particularly the neck) undergoes an incredible amount of stress during the birthing process. Many neurological and health problems have been traced to spinal trauma at birth (see also brochure on Infants).

Correcting Subluxations

A doctor of chiropractic is the only health care provider trained and experienced at detecting, reducing, correcting and preventing the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Your Gonstead doctor conducts a thorough evaluation of your spine and addresses those specific areas of subluxation only (see also brochure titled The Gonstead System). Subluxations interfere with the health of your body. The longer a subluxation has to degenerate, the worse it affects your body’s functions and the more difficult it is to correct. For these reasons, it is important to have periodic spinal checkups.

Vertigo and Dizziness

The word dizzy is used to describe such sensations as feeling faint, lightheaded, unsteady, or ringing in the ears. The sense that one’s surroundings are spinning while they are standing still is called vertigo. Keeping your sense of balance requires your brain processing a variety of information from your eyes, nervous system, joints, and inner ears. If messages from these various locations are contradictory, or if the sensory or nervous systems are not functioning properly, this will cause dizziness and a loss of balance. Common causes of such message disruption include bacterial or viral infections affecting the inner ear; subluxation (irritation of the nervous tissue of the spinal cord, spinal nerves, brain, or ear); high or low blood pressure affecting blood flow to the brain; many medications; motion sickness; and stress. Rarely does dizziness or vertigo signal a serious or life-threatening problem. Dizziness is one of the most common reasons people visit doctors. Traditional medicine commonly fails to determine the underlying cause of dizziness, and merely treats the symptom with anti-vertigo medication.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Vertigo

Gonstead chiropractic aims to remove irritation to the nervous system and thus re-establish proper communication between the body and the brain. Subluxation, particularly in the neck, has been theorized to interfere with both nerve and blood flow to the spinal cord and inner ear. It is well known that vertigo can stem from dysfunction in the spinal column and research has shown that the majority of vertigo sufferers have spinal dysfunction (subluxation- nerve irritation/ altered range of motion) in the neck. One study found that 60% of patients suffering with vertigo who received chiropractic care in combination with conservative medical treatment enjoyed a complete remission, and an additional 20% had consistent improvement. Another study of 67 patients with vertigo found “a highly significant improvement of pathological vestibulospinal reactions was seen after chiropractic.” The Gonstead doctor is concerned on finding and correcting the cause of vertigo, and not just relieving the symptom.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a non-medical term used to describe injury caused by a rapid jerking of the neck either forward and backward or side-to-side. It is most often associated with motor vehicle accidents, but can also occur from falls, blows to the head, or sports accidents to name a few. The sudden, forceful movement with whiplash causes the neck to move beyond its normal range of motion. This can cause tearing in the muscles, tendons and ligaments, which support the neck and can lead to damage to the intervertebral disc, spinal nerves or even spinal cord. Symptoms include swelling and/or tenderness of the neck, difficulty swallowing, jaw problems, nausea, vomiting, flashes of light, headache, dizziness, cognitive disturbance, insomnia, pain, numbness and/or tingling into the shoulder or arm, weakness in the neck, shoulder, arm or hand, or ringing in the ears. Symptoms may be acute or chronic (longstanding). Often, symptoms of whiplash may not manifest for weeks or even years. Such an injury to the neck alters the proper biomechanics and can lead to misalignment (subluxation) and a loss of the natural curve of the cervical spine. A full 5% of the population will experience a whiplash injury, and 43% of these people will develop chronic symptoms.

Gonstead Chiropractic and Whiplash

Gonstead chiropractors work to correct the biomechanical problem causing the symptoms related to whiplash. A symptom-only approach (i.e. pain medication) will not correct the problem. One report examined 10,382 articles on neck injury and found traditional techniques for whiplash (collars, injections, ultrasound, medication) were largely ineffective. Several studies point to the success of chiropractic for whiplash sufferers. One found 26% were completely pain free after chiropractic intervention and the other 74% were significantly improved. Another found 93% improvement. Patients who undergo chiropractic care are found to have the natural curve of their necks restored, whereas patients who do not undergo chiropractic care tend be left with a straightened or even reverse curve in their neck.