Dr. David Gunther, Chiropractor

After suffering an acute episode of horrific low back pain when he was 20 years old, and after three days of not being able to move and weeping every time he sneezed or coughed, David Gunther decided to see a chiropractor. The chiropractor helped him immensely and long story short, David found his way into the profession.Now a chiropractor himself who has practiced both stateside and abroad in Hong Kong and Italy for the last 10 years, David has treated many types of professional athletes, and a diverse patient base, ranging from the young to the elderly. A regular guest speaker for Whole Foods Market Health Series, his approach is one of active patient participation, combining the best of chiropractic, soft tissue and rehabilitation techniques to help his patients achieve a pain-free and healthy lifestyle. David’s unique approach comes from working in multidisciplinary settings including five years in a large medical clinic in Italy where he collaborated directly with an orthopedic surgeon and prominent medical sports specialists, as well as the head medical doctor for the Italian National Water Ski Team. He completed his internship with Dr. Leonard Stein, former chiropractor for the NBA Golden State Warrior’s team and the San Francisco Ballet Society.

For the past ten years, David has been treating conditions such as back, neck, arm and leg pain and weakness, car accidents, sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromylagia, poor posture, and stress related or persistent muscle tension.

Clever Parents: What common pains or injuries do you see in pregnant women and parents of young children?
David Gunther: Most pregnant women experience some degree of discomfort or pain as they begin to near the due date. This is usually occurs for two reasons. First, the increased weight being carried in front drastically alters the normal biomechanics of the entire pelvis and low back, and second due to a hormone called Relaxin. Its purpose is to cause the ligaments to relax, thereby facilitating the passing of a baby through the birth canal. Many times however, this increased ligamentous laxity coupled with an increased weight load up front is more than sufficient to cause the Mommy to experience discomfort or outright pain.

CP: What recommendations do you have for parents who lug small children around all day long?
DG: Switch sides, take breaks often and bend at the knees, not the back.

CP: Are there stretches or exercises that are good for parents to do to help with injury prevention?
DG: There are many, and I would recommend a book called STRETCHING, by Bob Anderson. (Buy the book new on Amazon for $11.53 – they also have a DVD version of the book for $19.95.)

CP: What do you say to people who are interested, but wary about chiropractic medicine?
DG: Unfortunately there are some chiros doing things that I’m uncomfortable with (quite frankly that tick me off royally) so yes you do need to find a good one. Since there are many valid techniques and approaches, each person needs to find one that works for them. Usually if someone that you trust has had a good experience you will too. That said, my basic philosophy is find someone who:

1. explains things in a way that makes sense
2. doesn’t tell you how many treatments you’ll need before you even get started
3. doesn’t start asking for referrals
4. addresses both the soft tissue (muscular) component as well as the joint restriction aspect of your problem.

CP: What makes chiropractic care effective?
DG: Chiropractic works because it helps to correct two of the most common components of musculoskeletal conditions or injuries…….joint dysfunction and muscle spasm. Chiropractic helps the body to recover and maintain normal functioning of both these vital systems. In fact, chiropractors are the only healthcare professionals specifically trained to identify and correct areas of joint restriction.

CP: How can people contact you for a consultation?
DG: 1722 J Street, Suite 8, Sacramento CA, 95814, (916) 498-9464

CP: Do you have a website?
DG: Not yet - it’s on the list. My practice is referral-based. My type of work demands face to face interaction. I can listen to someone talking about what hurts, how it happened, etc but until I have them in front of me I really can’t say anything with much conviction. I have to evaluate them first.

CP: What is the best part about being a dad?
DG: There are so many “best parts” that I’m hard pressed to choose, but getting a big, sleepy hug from Michela when she first wakes up from her nap, smelling her hair and feeling her lay her head on my shoulder as she slowly rejoins the waking world has to be up there.

Dr. David Gunther resides in Sacramento, California with his wife, Monique, and daughter Michela, 2 ½.