Dr. Coit Black D.C.

Applied Techniques 

 The Basic Principles of the Gonstead Method of Chiropractic Analysis

 The Gonstead Concept of chiropractic begins with a basic biomechanical principle of physics. Every engineer, architect, builder and carpenter knows the importance of a proper foundation in constructing a building, for this insures durability and long life. Any slight change or shift in the foundation can cause a great amount of deviation in the top part of the structure and, perhaps, ultimately, its collapse.

 The body’s foundation is formed by the pelvic girdle. When this bony structure consisting of hip bones and the lower bones of the back is level, there will be maximum balance and stability in the spinal column. When the pelvic girdle or any of the vertebrae (bones making up the spinal column) become tilted or rotated out of their proper position, dramatic changes may occur in the body.

These misalignments can cause pressure on the discs that separate the vertebrae. (The condition of the disc is the key to the patient’s health problem in many cases.) Vertebra can become misaligned either from the cumulative effects of several minor episodes or from a single accident. Nature frequently is able to cope with these jolts to the spinal column without assistance. Sometimes, though, vertebrae tilted or rotated out of their normal position can be too much for nature to deal with effectively.

In order to more fully understand what occurs, we should know that the discs are really pads between the vertebrae and consist of a spongy substance surrounded by fibers of cartilage. When there is misalignment of a vertebra, there is uneven pressure on the disc causing it to swell and protrude. (One often hears this referred to as a slipped, herniated or ruptured disc.)

Chiropractors call this condition a SUBLUXATION when it results in the pinching or compressing of the nerves that run through that particular area. These compressed nerves often become inflamed and impede the proper transmission of impulses to the section of the body controlled by these nerves. A seemingly endless list of ailments and pain may be brought about by these subluxations.

Generally, misaligned vertebrae in the spine are easily recognized, particularly those in the upper portion of the vertebral column. However, less easily found and often overlooked are misalignments in the foundation or lower portions of the spine.

The ability to recognize and correct these misalignments forms an integral part of the Gonstead Concept. For example: When the lower portion of the spinal column has misaligned vertebra, the body tries to keep itself and its skeleton upright and straight. Often it compensates by causing a vertebra above to become misaligned. This is the body’s way of attempting to re-establish the normal perpendicular position of the body.

If just the top misaligned vertebra was adjusted, in cases where additional vertebrae are misaligned, only limited relief could result. This would not be getting to the source of the trouble. For complete and lasting results, all of the misaligned vertebrae must be identified and then a program can be initiated to restore them to their normal position. Every chiropractic case presents a different combination of misaligned vertebrae.

 The Logan Basic Chiropractic Technique
What it is. How it works. How it promotes healing.

Day and night we are all bombarded by stress.

The stress may come from a traumatic blow such as an automobile accident, allergic reaction, surgical trauma, emotional upset, from severe exposure to heat or cold, or from more insidious causes such as malnutrition or sleep deprivation or sustained periods of overwork.

So long as our bodies can cope with this stress, we all continue to adapt to life's challenges and live within what we call the body's "elastic limits," so-called because the human body is like a rubber band, free and pliable, and able to tolerate an often surprising degree of loads and stresses. However, if any of these stressors prove to be too strong or prolonged for the body to absorb, we exceed these elastic limits, and the rubber band stretches too far and breaks. When this occurs, we have moved from simple stress to what we call "strain."

Strain manifests as muscle tension - muscles that are unable to fully relax after use and remain in a state of fatigue. Tense and tight muscles limit the bloodstream's capacity to carry away the waste products that have accumulated in the tissue as a result of metabolism. These "fatigue poisons" (as they are known) that are left behind are stored in the muscle tissue where they cause pain. Ultimately, tight muscles will pull the spine out of alignment which can result in neck, shoulder and low back pains.

Logan Basic Chiropractic Technique treats the muscles that control spinal balance in order to release this tension. The proper leverage, applied ever so lightly at the right spot, will cause the entire spine to move towards balance. This method is similar in principle to that used to change a flat tire. The proper leverage of a car jack will allow a comparatively small person to elevate a heavy car right off the ground.

Before treatment begins, the doctor analyzes the patient's spine while he or she stands in front of a plumb line. Further examination may also be made with the patient lying face up and/or face down on the table. Then, with the patient lying face down, the doctor places a very light pressure on a pre-determined "leverage spot" on the sacral bone in the low back, employing the same principle described in using a car jack. This spot is held for 10 to 15 minutes while the doctor lightly rubs the back muscles with his other hand, coaxing them to release tension.

In the science of physiology, there is a theorem (known as Starling's Law) which states that very light pressure is effective because a minimal stimulus gets the maximum response. Experience has shown that strong pressures on the muscle often cause the body to tighten to protect itself, but a light pressure generally produces a deep relaxation.

Basic Technique treatment, in this gentle but powerful manner, causes a release of deep muscle tension. Fatigue poisons are then immediately eliminated and the effects of strain are reduced in the body. A more flexible and elastic tone is restored to the total body, and with that, the body's own self-healing mechanism is awakened.

The number of treatments needed to break the stress/strain cycle is different for each person, because each person's medical history and physical makeup are necessarily different. Treatment determination will depend upon the patient's age, the nature of the disorder, the length of time it has been there, and most importantly, the individual's responsiveness to treatment.

All healing is truly self-healing, but a body in deep strain often cannot garner the forces to restore well-being on its own. It is then that an intervention such as Basic Technique can be employed to reduce strain significantly and engage the body's own self-healing energies.

© Copyright 1999 The Friedman Chiropractic Center, Inc.. All Rights Reserved.

Information courtesy of: http://www.friedmanchiro.com/basic.htm

 Thompson Technique Performed

Adjustments with the Thompson Technique