Our
four legged friends have spines just like we do (slightly different
configurations but suprisedly (sp) much the same) and their spines
(also hips, elbows, locks (sp), etc.) can get misaligned just like
ours. Chiropractic adjustments are an extremely effective treatment
for musculoskeletal problems. The goal of chiropractic adjustments
is to realign the joints and to restore normal joint motion mechanics
to aberrant areas. This in return gives the animal relief from pain
and allows more normal functioning to occur.
What
is a subluxation or joint restriction?
A subluxation is a condition of the spinal column (or extremity
joint) in which one or more joints are not aligned correctly and
hence, not moving properly. WORD? this intersegmental joint dysfunction
can lead to global range of motion, muscle coordination and flexibility
problems.
How
are Subluxations treated in animals?
Correct detection by a trained animal chiropractor is the first
step to correction. Subluxations in the animal's spine are then
corrected by a controlled adjustment. - which is a low
force, high speed thrust in a specific direction to restore the
movement of a restricted joint. Large dogs and horses will frequently
be adjusted manually but small dogs and cats may be adjusted using
an adjusting instrument. With more chronic condition the animal
may also have significant muscular involvement and may require soft
tissue work (specific muscular massage) to allow the adjustment
to hold. I often perform soft tissue work as part of my treatment
before the adjustment on both dogs and horses.
How
many adjustments are needed to correct subluxations?
Just as with humans, long standing chronic conditions usually take
more time to resolve with chiropractic treatment. Newer minor injuries
usually respond rapidly to treatment, and require visits.
Most animals will receive significant improvement in 1-6 treatments
over the course of 2-6 weeks. Age, conditioning, general health
and intervening factors determine the ability for full recovery.
Disorders
Treated with Chiropractic
Horses:
- Inability to flex, collect or "travel" symmetrically
- Lameness due to musculoskeletal problems
- Being "OFF", not really lame, but traveling
not right
- Decreased range of motion, ie horse cannot not
flex neck or hang head (on horse, throws head when asked to
drop head)
- Horse tires to buck rider off, may be a sign
of discomfort
- Observable tension or muscle spasms
- Horse stands in position of discomfort, ie:
leg cocked, back hunched
- Horses posture is "off" - neck turned to one
side, on hip higher than the other and animal seems uncomfortable
- Difficulty maintaining gait especially canter
Dogs:
- Dog flinches along neck/spine when petted or groomed
- Difficulty going up and down stairs, climbing
into car, up on couch or onto bed
- Pain or crying out with getting up from lying
or with trying to lie down
- Difficulty running, runs lopsided or off center
- Bowel and blatter dysfunction
- Early stages of (WORD?) lup dipplasia
- Spinal arthritis and early stages of spinal stenosis
- Digestive problems
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