The science of  animal chiropractic is based upon using spinal manipulation to restore a full and pain-free range of motion to joints.  It includes all procedures where the hands are used to mobilize, adjust, stimulate or otherwise influence the spinal and paraspinal tissues with the aim of restoring or maintaining the patients health. 

 

The term subluxation is used to describe an area of the spine which has slightly misaligned vertebral articulations.  This misalignment will prevent the vertebrae to move correctly or are “stuck”. These misalignments can also impinge on nerves that exit between two vertebrae. This will interfere with nerve transmission to the parts of the body those particular spinal nerves are responsible for.   There are more receptors along the spinal column than anywhere within the body’s neuro-axis.  Adjusting the spine increases the probability of changing the frequency of firing to central and peripheral neurons. 

If a motion unit within the spinal column is “stuck” (determined by motion palpation) the receptors that would normally fire will not and this will cause negative affects on sensory input and motor output.

 

A subluxation is corrected with an adjustment which is a short, rapid (high velocity, low amplitude) thrust onto a specific vertebra following the line of correction for that particular vertebra. 

 

The joints of the spine (zygapophysial joints) are moveable and if the correct angle (line of correction)  is used, the adjustment is relatively easy and low force is used.  Hence, there is no need for excessive force to adjust a large animal.  The adjustment is a very specific, controlled force.

 

Problems animal chiropractic could help: 

-         Decrease in level of performance

-         Muscle imbalance, spasms, or atrophy

-         Obscure lameness, uneven gait or stiffness

-         Pelvic asymmetries

-    Maintain health

 

Acupuncture and animal chiropractic are two modalities that complement each other well and together with regular veterinary care will enable your horse or dog to enjoy optimal health and performance.