The Gonstead Chiropractic technique was developed by Dr. Clarence Gonstead, an American chiropractor who refined the method beginning in the 1920s.
According to official Gonstead educational materials, the technique focuses on detailed spinal analysis and precise correction of vertebral subluxations (misalignments), with particular emphasis on spinal biomechanics and disc integrity.
Unlike generalized spinal adjustments, Gonstead care is built around a structured evaluation process designed to identify specific segments requiring correction .
The 5-Step Gonstead Analysis System
Published Gonstead sources describe five primary components used to analyze the spine before adjusting:
1. Visualization
Observation of posture, gait, and movement patterns to detect imbalances .
2. Instrumentation (Nervoscope)
The Nervoscope is a handheld instrument used to detect temperature differences along the spine, which practitioners interpret as possible indicators of inflammation or nerve irritation .
3. Static Palpation
Manual examination of the spine while the patient is at rest to identify swelling, tenderness, or abnormal texture .
4. Motion Palpation
Assessment of spinal joint mobility during movement to detect restricted segments .
5. X-Ray Analysis
Gonstead commonly incorporates full-spine, weight-bearing X-rays to assess alignment, disc spacing, and structural balance .
According to the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society, these combined tools are intended to help locate specific areas requiring adjustment rather than applying generalized manipulation .
It measures paraspinal skin temperature differences along the spine . Practitioners use these thermal readings as part of their assessment process.
Research evaluating paraspinal thermography devices (including dual-probe instruments like the Nervoscope) has found fair to good inter-examiner reliability, although variability exists .
This means the instrument shows measurable consistency under certain testing conditions, though results can vary.
Is Gonstead Chiropractic Safe?
Safety discussions about Gonstead fall under the broader research on chiropractic spinal manipulation.
A peer-reviewed overview of chiropractic techniques notes that spinal manipulation is most supported in the literature for lower back pain, while evidence for other conditions varies .
The same review highlights ongoing debate regarding cervical (neck) manipulation safety, though serious adverse events are considered rare in the broader context of chiropractic care .
It is important to note that no major large-scale randomized controlled trials specifically isolate Gonstead as a standalone method. Most safety data applies to chiropractic spinal manipulation in general .
As with any healthcare approach, proper screening, imaging when indicated, and practitioner training are critical.
Reported Benefits of Gonstead Chiropractic
Chiropractic practice-based sources commonly describe potential benefits such as:
Support for nervous system function through structural correction
Clinical practice materials also describe its use for common musculoskeletal complaints such as sciatica, headaches, and disc-related conditions .
However, broader academic reviews emphasize that while spinal manipulation shows effectiveness for certain musculoskeletal issues, evidence strength varies depending on the condition treated .
Gonstead Chiropractic vs Traditional Chiropractic
According to chiropractic technique overviews:
Gonstead emphasizes structured analysis including full-spine X-rays and instrumentation
Traditional or diversified chiropractic techniques may use broader regional adjustments and do not always require structured instrumentation
Gonstead adjustments are described as specific and segment-focused rather than generalized
A 2014 survey study found Gonstead among the named chiropractic techniques used by practitioners, though diversified methods were more commonly reported overall .
Choosing the Right Chiropractor in Colorado Springs
If you’re researching the best chiropractor in Colorado Springs, comparing local providers, or seeking same-day care, understanding a clinic’s evaluation process and treatment techniques is essential.
Not all chiropractic offices follow the same diagnostic process. When considering care, patients may want to ask:
Does the clinic perform a structured spinal evaluation before adjusting?
Are weight-bearing X-rays used when clinically appropriate?
Is the chiropractor trained in specific techniques such as Gonstead?
How is patient safety addressed, especially for neck or disc-related concerns?
A thorough consultation and examination help determine whether Gonstead Chiropractic — or another evidence-informed chiropractic approach — is appropriate for your condition.
An individualized assessment allows your chiropractor to recommend a treatment plan based on your specific diagnosis, imaging findings (if indicated), and clinical goals.
Final Thoughts
Gonstead Chiropractic is a structured chiropractic method developed in the early 20th century that emphasizes detailed spinal analysis, specific adjustments, and use of tools like the Nervoscope.
Current literature supports spinal manipulation most strongly for lower back pain, with broader claims varying in evidence strength. Safety data suggests serious complications are rare but ongoing debate exists, particularly around cervical manipulation.
For patients in Colorado Springs, understanding the technique used — and discussing it openly with your provider — is an important step in making an informed healthcare decision.
Dr. Austin DC is a dedicated chiropractor who graduated from Palmer in June 2021, inheriting a legacy of chiropractic care from his father and numerous family members in the field. As the 5th of 6th children, he developed fluency in American Sign Language due to his deaf brother, showcasing his commitment to effective communication.
I went in sore, lacking energy. After a couple quick adjustments I felt ready to deal with the continued craziness of my day. Dr Austin is a miracle worker!
I can't recommend Colorado Injury & Wellness enough! I had a torn meniscus and honestly didn't know if I'd ever get back to hiking, paddleboarding, and kickboxing without pain. After just 4–6 weeks of SoftWave therapy, my knee is completely healed. My mind is blown.
A torn meniscus is a significant injury, so I never expected such an incredible recovery. The entire team was knowledgeable, professional, and truly cared about getting me back to living my life. I am beyond grateful!
The doctor is very good at explaining things and doing the adjustments. I even get relief from my sinuses. The staff is friendly and they take good care of me.
This is a very caring and nice place to get your chiropractic work done, Dr Clark is a caring person who loves to help people. I would highly recommend this office to anyone
I found Dr Austin when I hurt my back and was in some serious pain. His office got me in immediately! And he was able to provide me with immediate ease of pain. I’ve been going ever since once a month for over a year now. They are a friendly professional group and offer so much in the way of pain relief and healthy maintenance! I highly recommend!!! Dr Austin is the best!!!!
I have been having a lot of pain since my car accident. I have been struggling to find the right avenue for help. I am so grateful I came across Colorado Injury and Wellness. They treated me with such kindness, care, concern and understanding. Their knowledge of injuries and how to start helping me heal has been phenomenal. Very grateful!!!
This is your sign to go here! From adjustments, X-rays to softwave they do it all!! Staff is soo nice!! Doctor Austin words cannot express how awesome and talented he is! Magic hands for sure! They are like family!! Be Blessed!!!
Dr. Austin Clark is fabulous and so is his staff. He found injures the ER missed! He is helping me heal and move forward after my car wreck ! I highly recommend them!
I have been absolutely pleased with the doctor and the treatments!!! I feel very strongly that I am listened to and he is addressing all of my issues to move forward with more extensive treatments to get to the root. Only problem now that I am facing is that the office does not accept my Medicare and Colorado Springs Medicaid buy in health insurance. 😥
First time seeing a chiropractor and man was that AWESOME!!!! Dr. Austin will get all of the rice krispies out of you no problem. I would highly recommend anyone in the trades to go see him.
I did an eval with them and told them of two issues I've had: migraines and a pain in my right hip (sciatic nerve).<br>They took x-rays and told me all the ways my job has ruined my skeleton, but they also gave me a game plan to get it back to where it needs to be. I have not been able to start the process yet but definitely plan to.<br>They also gave me an adjustment while I was there and I have been experiencing relief already with just the 1 adjustment for the sciatic nerve pain. It was hard to work past 3pm because I was in so much pain but after the adjustment I don't start feeling pain until after 5 and the pain level is less.<br>Highly recommend!
I had an amazing experience. It was my first time and the doctor explain everything to me. He sat down with my husband and I to go over our history. Did X-rays and adjusted us! Love his personality! Can’t wait to come back and would recommend to anyone!
I’m a new client with Dr Clarke. First appointment he was able to get me out of pain, second appointment it became apparent that I found the right chiropractor for my daughter and I. I highly recommend this clinic for your care.
Dr. Austin is the best!!! He is interested in you as a person as well as a patient. He listens to you and is caring and thoughtful. As a Chiropractor, he gets an A+ and then some. The Staff is awesome! Everyone makes me feel comfortable the minute I walk in the door.
I am very grateful to have a chiropractor that is very caring and wonderful. He keeps me in perfect alignment, God bless you, Austin, and your staff.Thank you christine
Cannot recommend enough, Dr Clarke is a true professional & actually took the time to show & explain what he's trying to do. The staff are also top notch, Immersion & Kenia special shout out for being so rad!
Colorado Injury and Wellness is more than just a Healthcare provider. The team always greets you with a smile and makes you feel at home while keeping a positive, professional and atmosphere. Being a patient there, I know that I'm in the best care and always feel like my needs are their greatest priority. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'s
Dr. Austin has done a fabulous job with my five year old who suffers from chronic pain. He takes the time to talk to my son on his level in a way that he understands and helps him feel comfortable. He always listens to my concerns and offers a variety of solutions. He has done a wonderful job and I 5/5 recommend!
Dr. Clarke, Kennia, Emory and the rest of the staff at Colorado Injury & Wellness are truly amazing!!! They were all extremely beneficial to my healing journey after my accident! They handled everything with professional while also being super sweet and made me feel extremely comfortable at all times! Highly recommend paying them a visit whether it’s for accident-related injuries, other injuries or regular adjusting needs!
They helped me get back to every day life..from decompression of spine, soft wave is awesome.. dr.Austin.is the best he will get you back to be feeling good .can't recommend them enough.
Dr. Austin and all the staff are amazing. I actually was seeing another chiropractor and have switched my treatments to Colorado Injury & Wellness. I initially started with this group to heal a calf muscle issue using their soft wave treatment. I would recommend this group to anyone. You feel part of the family instantly. I was also impressed that Dr. Austin does x-rays of the entire body which is part of the first visit. All the equipment is high tech. Would recommend without any hesitation.
Dr. Austin works miracles. I went in to see him due to land sickness after sea sickness and vomiting for 10 straight days. He was so kind and empathetic and he listened attentively to what I had to say. He performed his adjustment on my body and ears and he provided the relief I desperately needed and I’ve felt immensely better since visiting him. I could not be more thankful for Dr. Austin and his staff at Colorado Injury & Wellness. 10/10 recommend for anyone looking for chiropractic care.
I highly recommend.Dr. Austin, I am 66 years old, hurt my back and had my doubts. After a couple weeks started to feel better. But still wasn't sure this was going to work for me. And then one morning, woke up. pain free and I am still pain free. Austin knows what he's talking about. I should have never doubted him....this<br>Is a life changer for me.Their staff are the greatest I've ever been around. They really Do care about their patients.. They're so very nice,and truly care ! If you have any pain, go see Doctor Austin. I will Never be able to thank him and the staff.. Enough.!!!!
100/100 Dr. Austin Clarke is truly and awesome man, he is so busy with people and different solutions to each situation but he takes the time to have small banter and talk about what’s really bothering you. He comes up with a plan that he thinks (knows) will work. I just started going to him and he has helped me feel so much better. I had hip issue for years and he said what he wanted to do and tada! Healed! The office is very open and inviting. All the staff is great I truly enjoy having a moment to say hello. 100/100 recommend!!!
Since I started seeing my chiropractor a few weeks ago, I've noticed a significant difference. My back ached all the time and would not go away no matter what I did. For every appointment, they began with decompression, softwave, and adjustments. I've noticed significant progress. I can now go far without my back crippling me at the end of the day, and I no longer experience continual pain. I had no idea how this practice would proceed when I arrived but they exceeded my expectations. They have provided thorough explanations and made it comfortable. This office is really valuable and I 100% support them!
Dr. Austin is great. I can’t stress it enough. If you have back problems or pain that you can’t seem to pinpoint the origin, then you need to stop in. My shoulder was injured and Dr. Austin recommended Soft Wave treatment. It was a game changer. Again don’t hesitate, go in and see him. His staff is great as well.
I had an issue In my chest, I could not breathe in without pain. I scheduled a stress IV to be sure I wasn’t dehydrated or having anxiety. When that didn’t do the trick, I was sure I needed to go to the emergency room. I was referred to Colorado Injury and Wellness by our friends at Revive Hydration and Wellness. Dr. Austin Clarke saw me right away, performed a rib adjustment which immediately helped. By the next morning, the pain was completely gone, and I’m able to breathe perfectly! Highly recommend!!
Dr. Austin was amazing from the start, answering all my questions and making me feel at ease. Plus, he speaks both Spanish and English, which makes communication super simple.<br><br>Throughout the visit, he showed true professionalism by explaining every detail and adapting to my needs. I highly recommend his services!
Dr. Austin is amazing at what he does! I had been dealing with some SI (sacroiliac) joint issues for a while which was frustrating because I teach Pilates and there were some moves I would not do because they were painful. Now these same moves are no longer an issue and I truly believe it is due to the wonderful chiropractic care I receive from Dr. Austin. If anything is going on with your body, I highly recommend scheduling an appointment with him. He's the best!
If you want to feel your best come here! Dr. Austin is a great Chiropractor! Very knowledgeable and makes you feel like family! Our whole family goes and loves him!
If your body is beginning to quit on you, please go see Dr. Austin! This man has a gift for his profession and a talent for understanding people who are in pain. He is incredibly easy to get along with, has a great sense of humor and his technique is flawless!! His assistant Tiffany who schedules appointments is amazingly kind and will work with you to make your schedule fit perfectly! I truly can’t say enough about this place, please go find out for yourself! Dr. Austin is the real deal!
Dr has adjusted my husband & I for about 3 months. He has made us more comfortable in our own bodies. I have a should that gives me a lot of grief. He mentioned about this red light that helps healing in certain spots. I tried it for 6 visits & I can more my shoulder so much easier & just a little pain sometimes.<br>Thanks for helping us get moving again.
As a healthcare provider, I know the importance of receiving care from someone who is skilled and knowledgeable, but even more important is finding someone who actually cares. Dr. Austin is extremely kind and relatable. He’s got a great heart and I trusted him right away. I highly recommend him to any of my family, friends, or patients needing chiropractic care. The office team is outstanding as well!<br>Sincerely,<br>Zachary Wight,<br>Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
This is a wonderful chiropractor office. I have been going there for a few years and they have helped me. Neck and back pain. Love, Love, them. Professional and very caring and friendly.
Top notch! They are experts in knowledge of all back and joint issues. Dr. Austin is really open and honest about what care is needed. Everybody is upbeat and friendly. Clean office. Really efficient with insurance claims. I always feel better after the adjustment. Go here now!
Dr. Austin and the staff at Colorado Injury & Wellness are incredible! They provide the best care for Matt to function well and continue on his healing journey.
Wow! Austin made such a difference with his treatment for me! I feel fantastic after being treated by him! The whole staff there is wonderful, inviting, friendly and responsive! Great experience!
