At Cross Chiropractic, we believe every patient deserves the highest level of chiropractic care in Spartanburg, SC. That’s why we rely on The Gonstead Method, renowned as the best chiropractic technique for comprehensive improvement.

To ensure the most accurate and effective treatment, we use a combination of Visualization, Instrumentation, Palpation, X-Ray, and an in-depth analysis of patient symptoms. This multifaceted approach allows us to pinpoint the exact area that needs adjustment, leading to more specific and targeted care. The more precise the adjustment, the more significant the improvement in the patient’s health. Dr. Gonstead himself emphasized that even three adjustments on the wrong vertebral segment could create a subluxation, making precision and specificity critical. At Cross Chiropractic, our commitment to the Gonstead Method ensures that each patient receives the most effective care possible, fostering confidence and lasting health improvements.

X-Rays

In the Gonstead System, we use Full Spine X-Rays, capturing both A-P and Lateral views on a 14" x 36" film that spans from the ischium to the occiput. This approach not only exposes patients to less radiation compared to sectional X-Rays but also offers a comprehensive view of the entire spine. Full Spine X-Rays provide an accurate vertebral count, a complete spinal contour for posture analysis with axial weight-bearing, and can reveal issues beyond the primary complaint. These insights are not possible with sectional films. Full Spine X-Rays are fundamental to Gonstead Chiropractic, enabling us to fully assess and correct the patient's condition with a holistic approach.

Palpatation

In Gonstead Chiropractic, both Static and Motion Palpation are integral techniques used to accurately identify areas of concern within the spine. Static Palpation is the hands-on aspect of the examination, where the chiropractor carefully feels for changes in the contour, tone, texture, and temperature of the patient's tissues. These subtle changes can provide important clues about underlying issues that may not be immediately apparent through other diagnostic methods.

Motion Palpation, on the other hand, involves assessing the movement of individual vertebrae in relation to one another. By observing how the spine moves, or fails to move, the chiropractor can detect subluxations—misalignments that may be causing pain or dysfunction—and determine the specific listing, or position, of the subluxated vertebra. This information is crucial for delivering targeted adjustments that address the root cause of the problem rather than just alleviating symptoms.

The combination of these two palpation techniques allows for a comprehensive assessment of the spine, ensuring that every adjustment is both precise and effective. This thorough approach not only enhances the accuracy of the diagnosis but also increases the likelihood of achieving lasting improvements in the patient's health. By utilizing both Static and Motion Palpation, Gonstead Chiropractic offers a level of care that is deeply informed by the body's natural responses, leading to more personalized and effective treatment plans.

Instrumentation

In the Gonstead System, a dual probe instrument such as a Nervoscope or Delta-T is traditionally employed to conduct a bilateral temperature comparison along the spine. This tool is essential for detecting areas of inflammation, which can be indicative of underlying subluxations. By measuring the temperature on both sides of the spine, the instrument identifies subtle variations that may signal the presence of nerve interference or other issues.

The readings obtained through this instrumentation provide valuable insights into the state of the spine. They help the chiropractor determine whether subluxations are present, assess whether the adjustments are effectively correcting these misalignments, and confirm when the spine has returned to a balanced state. This process is crucial for ensuring that the chiropractic care is both accurate and effective, as it allows for real-time feedback on the progress of the treatment. By integrating this precise and scientific approach, Gonstead Chiropractic ensures that each adjustment is tailored to the patient’s specific needs, ultimately enhancing the overall outcomes of care.

Additionally, the use of this technology reflects the Gonstead Method’s commitment to using the best tools and techniques available for spinal health. The ability to monitor the spine's temperature variations not only aids in diagnosing but also in tracking the healing process, ensuring that the care provided is thorough and continuously optimized. This meticulous attention to detail underscores the efficacy of the Gonstead approach in promoting long-term wellness.

Visualization

In the Gonstead System, visualization plays a critical role in the diagnostic process, beginning the moment a patient walks through the door. By carefully observing the patient, the chiropractor can gather valuable information that complements other diagnostic tools like X-Rays and Palpation. Subtle differences in height between the ears, shoulders, and hips, as well as variations in posture and gait, are all meticulously noted and analyzed.

This keen observation helps to identify potential misalignments or abnormalities in the spine. For instance, an uneven shoulder height or a tilted hip could indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed. These visual cues are not just superficial observations; they are integral to forming a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s condition. They serve as a visual confirmation of what the chiropractor may already suspect from X-Ray and Palpation findings.

Visualization in the Gonstead Method is about more than just spotting obvious problems; it’s about recognizing the subtle signs that might otherwise go unnoticed. This approach ensures that the chiropractor can deliver highly specific and effective care. By integrating visual assessment with other diagnostic methods, the Gonstead System provides a holistic view of the patient’s health, ensuring that every adjustment is as precise and beneficial as possible. This thorough visual examination is a testament to the detailed and patient-centered approach that defines Gonstead Chiropractic care.

Case Management

In the Gonstead System, case management and symptomatology play a vital role in determining the most effective course of treatment. While we never rely on a one-size-fits-all approach, understanding a patient's specific health concerns allows us to pinpoint the precise areas that need adjustment. Symptoms are especially valuable in distinguishing between the two branches of the Autonomic Nervous System—the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic—which aids in delivering a highly targeted adjustment.

Our approach involves synthesizing all the information gathered from various modes of analysis, including X-Rays, Palpation, and Visualization, to identify the root cause of the patient’s issues. Once Subluxations are detected, the appropriate Gonstead technique is employed to correct these problem areas with precision and care.

Central to the Gonstead System is the belief that intervertebral disc dysfunction is often the underlying cause of subluxations and related neurological issues. Because of this focus on spinal discs, Gonstead chiropractors are often referred to as "disc doctors." By addressing the health of the discs, we can resolve subluxations, alleviate symptoms, and restore the body's natural function. This patient-centered approach ensures that each individual receives the most effective care tailored to their unique needs, leading to long-lasting health improvements.