During an inital examination, your Doctor of Chiropractic will perform the three following exams to find the exact location of your spinal misalignment (also known as Subluxation).
1. Instrumentation: Your Doctor of Chiropractic uses an instrument invented by Dr. Gonstead called a Nervoscope. The Nervoscope detects heat along the spine which is consistent with inflammation and pressure on nerves. The instrument has two probes and gently glides down each side of the spine during the examination.
2. Palpation and Visualization: When nerves are compressed and spinal joints malfunction they can produce swelling (edema) in that area as well as tightness in the muscles. Your Chiropractor will feel for these areas on your back and neck using the finger tips while you sit in a stationary position. Then, your Chiropractor visually looks for abnormalities in posture and gait that are uneven. This is important when taking into account all other criteria and making important decisions about your care.
3. X-Ray Analysis (except during pregnancy): The prior four analysis criteria allows your chiropractor to find which spinal segment(s) are malfunctioning and the exact location of where nerve pressure exists. Spinal x-rays allow for a “blue print” of your spine which is important in determining specifically how the spinal segments involved are to be adjusted. X-Rays are also helpful in determining fracture, postural distortions, arthritic conditions, etc.
