Tullahoma Chiropractor Dr. Drake Shull

Dr. Drake Shull grew up in Winchester, TN where he attended Franklin County High School and graduated in 2017 as valedictorian of his class. He then attended Milligan University where he swam collegiately for four years. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, Chemistry, and Business Administration Health Care Management. Dr. Shull recently graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida Campus where he specialized in the Gonstead technique. He served as an officer in the Gonstead club, Chiropractic teaching assistant in clinic, and a radiology assistant in clinic during his time at Palmer. He attended numerous seminars and clinics on the Gonstead technique to enhance his skills and build his craft. In his free time Dr. Shull enjoys traveling around the world, going to the beach and surfing with friends, competing in CrossFit competitions, supporting his local communities, and visiting theme parks.

What is the Gonstead System of Analysis

Dr. Drake Shull strives to deliver precise, specific adjustments to patients from all ages whether you are still in the womb or are enjoying your golden years. This is achieved by utilizing the Gonstead system of analysis each visit. Gonstead procedures are the result of extensive clinical research by Clarence S.Gonstead, founder of the world famous Gonstead Clinic of Chiropractic in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin and his associates. Doctor Gonstead’s fifty-five years of continuous practice and over four million chiropractic adjustments resulted in the most complete method of biomechanical analysis available for use by today’s doctors of chiropractic. The Gonstead Technique relies on five essential components: Visualization, Instrumentation, Palpation, X-Ray, and patient symptoms. By integrating these elements, we can pinpoint the precise location that requires adjustment. When all these factors align, we can provide the patient with a specific and effective adjustment.

Dr. Gonstead’s Theory on Disc Subluxation

Dr. Gonstead proposed that vertebral misalignment disrupts the Parallel Disc alignment, leading to compression at the nucleus pulposus.

This compression forces the nucleus to exert pressure on the surrounding annular fibers, causing damage to them. Such damage triggers an inflammatory response, which causes the disc to swell.

This swelling then exerts pressure on the nerves located in the respective intervertebral foramen, leading to neurological dysfunction. According to the Gonstead methodology, understanding that subluxations originate from the disc is crucial. Recognizing the stages of disc degeneration is essential for determining the appropriate adjustment direction and force needed for effective correction.

The 5 Essential Components to the Gonstead System

1. Visualization: Visualization is a way to cross reference all the other findings. Your chiropractor is an expert in looking for subtle changes in your posture and movement which could indicate any problems. Your skin and nervous system derive from the same embryological layer during development therefore “the skin acts as a window into the nervous system.” Having each patient gown allows your doctor to analyze your overall condition before an adjustment is even delivered.

2. Instrumentation: The use of a dual probe instrument, such as the Nervoscope or Delta-T, plays a pivotal role in the Gonstead Technique. It allows for a bilateral temperature comparison of the spine, helping to locate areas of inflammation. The readings obtained through instrumentation indicate the presence of subluxations, their correction progress, and when correction has been achieved.

3. Palpation: Gonstead Chiropractic employs both Static and Motion Palpation techniques to precisely identify areas of concern. Static Palpation is a hands-on examination that detects changes in contour, tone, texture, and temperature on the patient. Motion Palpation, on the other hand, is used to identify subluxations and their listings.

4. X-Ray Analysis: “To see is to know, and to not see is to guess.” As God made all people unique and different, your spines are also unique and different. In the Gonstead System, Full Spine X-Rays are crucial, capturing both A-P and Lateral views. These films measure 14″ x 36″ and include the area from ischia to occiput. Full Spine X-Rays use less radiation compared to sectional films and offer numerous advantages. They provide an accurate count of vertebrae, offer a comprehensive view of spinal contour for posture analysis with axial weight bearing, and reveal issues beyond the chief complaint. These factors make Full Spine X-Rays indispensable in Gonstead Chiropractic, allowing us to fully analyze and correct a patient’s condition.

5. Case Management/History: Every patient has a different story and different history. In the Gonstead System, we synthesize information from these various analysis modes and correlate our findings to identify the likely cause of your problem. Once Subluxations are pinpointed, we apply the appropriate Gonstead technique to effectively correct the problem areas.