Expert Spinal Care
Gonstead Chiropractic Care
Precision spinal analysis and targeted adjustments for lasting relief — without drugs, surgery, or guesswork. Serving Morgantown, WV since 2006.
Precision spinal analysis and targeted adjustments for lasting relief — without drugs, surgery, or guesswork. Serving Morgantown, WV since 2006.
Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints — including back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.
The term "chiropractic" comes from the Greek words "cheir" (hand) and "praxis" (action) — meaning "done by hand." Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments, with the theory that proper alignment of the body's musculoskeletal structure — particularly the spine — will enable the body to heal itself without surgery or medication.
At Coombs Family Chiropractic, Dr. Bryan Coombs takes this discipline further with the highly specific Gonstead technique, delivering precise, targeted corrections that identify and address the actual source of your problem — not just the nearby area of pain.
The spine houses and protects the spinal cord — the superhighway of your nervous system. Misaligned vertebrae can irritate nerves, causing pain and dysfunction throughout the body.
Chiropractic care restores normal function without masking pain with medication. It addresses root causes, not just symptoms — for lasting, sustainable results.
Extensive research supports chiropractic care for back pain, neck pain, headaches, and many other conditions. It is endorsed by the American College of Physicians as a first-line treatment.
From infants and children to pregnant women and seniors — chiropractic care can be safely adapted to every life stage, with techniques modified for each patient's needs.
Dr. Coombs employs the Gonstead technique — widely regarded as one of the most thorough and specific chiropractic approaches available — to identify and correct spinal misalignments with precision and care.
Dr. Coombs observes your posture, gait, and spinal curvature — looking for signs of imbalance, inflammation, or asymmetry that may indicate areas of concern.
The nervoscope instrument detects temperature differentials along the spine — identifying areas of nerve irritation and inflammation that may not be visible or palpable.
Dr. Coombs carefully feels your spine while you are stationary, identifying abnormal positions, tenderness, swelling, and changes in tissue texture.
By moving your spine through its range of motion, Dr. Coombs identifies which segments are fixated or moving incorrectly — pinpointing exactly which joints need to be adjusted.
Full-spine X-rays reveal the precise position of each vertebra, disc space narrowing, and any structural abnormalities — allowing Dr. Coombs to develop a targeted, precise adjustment plan.
Only the specific vertebrae identified through all five criteria are adjusted. This precision means less force, less discomfort, and far more effective results than broad, non-specific adjustments.
Chiropractic care at Coombs Family Chiropractic addresses a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal and nerve-related conditions.
Beyond pain relief, regular chiropractic care provides a wide range of health benefits that improve your quality of life.
Chiropractic addresses the structural causes of pain without relying on medications that may carry side effects or lead to dependency. It is a natural, sustainable alternative for both acute and chronic conditions.
Rather than masking symptoms, chiropractic corrections target the actual source of dysfunction — spinal misalignments that create nerve irritation, muscle imbalance, and pain throughout the body.
Proper spinal alignment restores full range of motion to stiff joints, reduces muscle tension, and allows you to move freely and perform daily activities — and athletic pursuits — with greater ease.
Chiropractic adjustments reduce mechanical joint irritation, which decreases local and systemic inflammation. Lower inflammation means less pain, better healing, and improved overall health.
Many patients report improved sleep quality after chiropractic care. Reduced pain, decreased muscle tension, and improved nervous system function all contribute to deeper, more restorative sleep.
Regular adjustments correct postural imbalances caused by prolonged sitting, tech use, and muscle weakness — helping you stand taller, move better, and prevent future injuries before they start.
We want you to feel informed and confident before you walk through our door. Here is a step-by-step overview of what your visit with Dr. Coombs looks like.
Dr. Coombs listens carefully to your health history, current symptoms, and wellness goals. Understanding your unique situation is the foundation of effective care.
A thorough examination including posture assessment, range-of-motion testing, neurological screening, and Gonstead palpation — both static and motion.
Where clinically indicated, Dr. Coombs reviews X-rays to precisely identify vertebral misalignments and develop a targeted adjustment plan specific to your spine.
Using the Gonstead technique, Dr. Coombs delivers a precise, gentle adjustment targeting only the specific segments identified — no broad, generalized cracking. Most patients feel immediate relief.
The Gonstead technique is a highly specific chiropractic approach developed by Dr. Clarence Gonstead in the 1920s. Unlike general "full-spine" adjustments, Gonstead uses five criteria — visualization, instrumentation, static palpation, motion palpation, and X-ray analysis — to precisely identify which vertebrae are misaligned and require correction. Only those specific segments are adjusted, resulting in more precise, less forceful, and more effective treatment.
Yes. Chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for musculoskeletal disorders. Serious adverse events are extremely rare. Dr. Coombs conducts a comprehensive examination before any treatment — including review of health history and X-rays where appropriate — to ensure chiropractic care is appropriate and safe for each individual patient.
Your first visit — which includes a thorough consultation, physical examination, and initial adjustment — typically takes 45–60 minutes. Follow-up adjustment visits generally take 15–30 minutes. Dr. Coombs never rushes; he takes the time needed to do each adjustment correctly and to answer your questions.
Yes — many headaches originate from subluxations (misalignments) in the cervical spine that irritate surrounding nerves and muscles. Tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches in particular respond very well to chiropractic care. Research published in peer-reviewed journals consistently shows that chiropractic manipulation significantly reduces headache frequency and severity for many patients.
No referral is needed to see a chiropractor. In West Virginia — as in most states — chiropractic is a primary care profession, meaning you can contact us directly to schedule an appointment or simply walk in during office hours. If you have insurance that requires a referral, we can help you navigate that — just call us.
Chiropractic effectively treats a broad range of conditions including: low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, herniated and bulging discs, spinal stenosis, headaches and migraines, sports injuries, whiplash, shoulder and hip pain, and many others. It also supports overall wellness, posture improvement, and preventive health for patients of all ages — from children to seniors.
Take the first step toward a pain-free life with precise Gonstead chiropractic care. Dr. Coombs is ready to help you restore your body naturally.
55 Don Knotts Blvd, Suite 4, Morgantown, WV 26508 · MWF 9–1 & 3–7 | Tue & Thu 9–12