Static Palpation

This is a process in which each spinal joint is palpated (touched by the doctor's fingers) for tenderness, tight muscles and edema (swelling) which are present with a subluxation.

Motion Palpation

This portion of the exam involves the doctor palpating each segment and through either active or passive participation on the patient's part, the spinal vertebrae are put through all three axes (directions) of normal motion to determine if there is a deficiency in any or all of the movements. If there is, the joint is "fixated".


Visualization of motion and posture are ways to cross-reference all other findings.

Full Spine Xrays 

Our doctors may use X-Rays.

New Patients

"To see is to know...
To not see is to guess...
And we will not guess on your health!"

The spine is one neurological and musculoskeletal kinetic chain. That is, it all works together. Any one subluxation can produce your symptom or prevent your primary area of pain from responding or resolving no matter where it is located. 

The Gonstead chiropractor looks at the "whole picture" not just the part that hurts. Full spine films involve the standing, that is, weight bearing position because the body operates on two legs. It is best to evaluate stress to the spinal joints in the upright position. Spinal curvatures (scoliosis) appear different standing than laying down. The pelvis also presents different weight bearing than laying down. 

The films are taken with a total of three exposures. The frontal view is taken in one piece. This is the ONLY way to determine exactly how many vertebrae you have. Yes, people do not all have the same amount of spinal segments. The typical number are: cervical (neck) 7; thoracic (mid back with ribs) 12, some patients have 11 others 13; lumbar (low back) 5, some patients have 4 others 6. Since the Gonstead doctor wants to be as specific as possible, this information is vital in order to avoid adjusting the wrong segment when counting by palpation to the exact vertebral subluxation. 

While this differential may not occur very often in the human population to matter to many practitioners, it would certainly matter to the patient who got the wrong segment adjusted due to a lack of complete information. Another reason for taking one frontal view is to assist in determining whether the upper neck is balanced over the center of the pelvis. 

All required measures are taken to insure the exposures are taken with the least amount of radiation.
The Gonstead Adjustment

Anderson Family Chiropractic

Experience the Gonstead Difference

4132 30th Ave , Suite 102
Fargo, ND 58104

(701) 241-7737


The doctor will use a highly sensitive heat detection instrument called a Nervoscope. It enables him or her to key in on those areas of increased temperature due to the hyperemia (increased blood flow) at the site of the subluxation.

The Gonstead Adjustment

If your examination findings indicate the necessity for an adjustment, the doctors will perform a very specific adjustment using their hands.

Home Instructions

Following your adjustment, the doctor may give you specific home instructions to follow which will aid the adjustment in allowing your body to start healing. Instructions may include icing instructions or specific neck and back exercises.

To learn more click on Gonstead Method.

A new patient can expect to spend approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour at the office for their first visit. This will include enough time to fill out the necessary entrance forms, have your consultation, examination, and first adjustment. Subsequent visits are typically 15 minutes or less.


Once you arrive, there will be entrance forms to fill out. If you'd like to save time and fill out the paperwork before your appointment, please print the appropriate form (adult or pediatric) using the links below and bring them with you. 

Pediatric Entrance Forms
Adult Entrance Forms

If you are filing insurance, remember to bring your insurance card with you on the first visit.

Although we are providers for many insurance carriers, we CANNOT GUARANTEE PAYMENT OR COVERAGE of chiropractic services. If you would like to know details regarding payment under your specific insurance plan, please contact your insurance provider.*If you were in a car accident please bring your claim number with you.
*If it is a work injury please bring the necessary paperwork from your employer. 


The doctor will ask the appropriate questions specific to your condition. They will gather all the necessary information of not only your present complaints but also past health issues, accidents, surgeries, medications, dietary lifestyle and your previous treatment for the condition. The doctor may then perform other exams if necessary. Other exams include taking your vitals and performing orthopedic exams.

The Gonstead System is thorough, complete, and specific in analyzing and adjusting your spine using the following five criteria to detect the presence of subluxations.