• “Scoping”: This term refers to the use of a bilateral temperature differential-measuring instrument, typically, the Electronic Development Laboratory Nervo-Scope.” The technique’s verbs “scope,” “run,” and “glide” are often used to describe the process of using an instrument along the spine.
  • “Break”/“Reading”: A “break” or “reading” is a distinct, rapid, unisegmental deflection or
  • spike of the gauge on a bilateral temperaturedifferential-measuring instrument. Also see the terms: “nerve pressure” and “nerve inflammation.”
  • “Nerve Pressure”: This term, along with “nerve inflammation,” is used amongst Gonstead doctors to refer to a subluxation and/or nerve root compression or inflammation. When related to bilateral temperature differential instrumentation findings, this, along with “nerve inflammation” refers to a pathophysiological reaction of the functional spinal unit that results in a positive instrument finding, i.e., a “break” or a “reading, ” The origin of the terms refers to the chiropractic model of subluxation that states that a subluxation causes nerve compression and an inflammatory response. Many think that this is the cause of the instrumentation “break.”
  • “Nerve Inflammation”: see “Nerve pressure.”
  • “Recession”: This is a rapid – but not as rapid as a “break” – rebound of the instrument gauge contralateral to and following a “break.”
  • “Heat Swing”: This is a broad deflection of the gauge of a NervoScope or like instrument. In some cases the deflection is somewhat rapid and may be mistaken for the “spike” of a “break.” Its causes are many, and it merely indicates uneven temperature differential of the skin.
  • “Cord Pressure”: Gonstead stated that if there is compression on the spinal cord caused by a subluxated vertebra, typically, in the upper cervical spine, the instrument gauge may remain unilaterally at near or at its limit as it is run along most or all of the spine.
  • “Rubbing out a ‘reading’”: The instrument “break” should remain, although it might be reduced, after brisk rubbing over the area. The pseudo-“break” of a compensation will usually disappear following brisk rubbing of the area.
  • Gonstead Test: Dr. Gonstead found that a sharp rap on the gastrocnemius muscle with the knife-edge hand causes an edematous rippling caudad to the contact point and pain in a neuritis – sciatica – due to disc herniation. Some feel that it occurs when there is anular leakage of nuclear material or sequestration.
  • Gonstead Adjustment Thrust: The thrust of a Gonstead adjustment is unlike that of several other well-known osseous adjusting techniques, in particular, the HIO toggle-recoil. Rather than a quick thrust and immediate recoil, the Gonstead thrust is a high velocity, low-amplitude thrust that is followed by a momentarily sustained hold of the contact of the segmental contact point.
  • Gonstead Adjusting Table Set: There are three primary pieces of equipment that the GT doctor uses: cervical chair, knee chest table, and the pelvic bench. Most also use a Zenith Hylo table or, in place of the Hylo table, use a “slot table” or a pelvic bench for prone adjustments. This variety of tables aids the doctor in having the right piece of equipment to more effectively adjust a particular subluxation on a patient at a particular time.