Thorough, complete and specific in analyzing and treating the spine. The Gonstead practitioner addresses your entire spine when evaluating for the presence of vertebral subluxations (spinal misalignments producing nerve interference or irritation) which cause ill health. The Gonstead chiropractor conducts a thorough analysis of your spine using five criteria to detect the presence of the vertebral subluxation complex.

1. X-ray Analysis
X-ray films enable your doctor to visualize the entire structure of your spine. This is helpful in evaluating for any disease processes, fracture, posture, joint and disc integrity and vertebral misalignments.

2. Instrumentation
The instrument of choice in the Gonstead System is the Nervoscope. The Nervoscope detects uneven distributions of heat along the spine which can be indicative of inflammation and nerve pressure. This instrument is guided down the length of your back and feels like two fingers gliding down each side of your spine.

3. Static Palpation
This is simply the process of feeling (or palpating) your spine in a stationary (or static) position.  Your chiropractor will feel for the presence of swelling (or edema), tenderness and any abnormal texture or tightness in the muscles and other tissues of your back.

4. Motion Palpation
This process involves feeling the spine while moving and bending it at various angles. This enables the chiropractor to determine how easily or difficult each segment in your spine moves in different directions.

5. Visualization
Visualization is a way to cross, reference all the other findings. Your chiropractor is an expert in looking for subtle changes in your posture and movement which could indicate any problems.

What To Expect for Your First Naturopathic Visit

Ideally, the first Naturopathic consultation visit should be about 60 minutes to allow for comprehensive information gathering, while follow-up visits may be about 30 minutes in length depending on the treatment necessary. Follow up treatments are about 30 - 60 minutes in length.

• Comprehensive Information gathering

 Clinical interview is performed by the practitioner regarding the patient’s current condition, medication, allergies, diet, lifestyle and as well as other related past medical history.

• Physical Exam

Complaint oriented examination will be performed (such as blood pressure, temperature, heart and lung examination, ear, eye, throat examination) during the visit.

• Lab Test

Conventional blood test (such as glucose, cholesterol etc.) or urine test occasionally performed to confirm the diagnosis. Other specialize test such nutrient status assessment, gastrointestinal function test and heavy metal toxicities screening can be done in the clinic as well.