Veterinary Chiropractic
What is Veterinary Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is the practice of using the hands to apply adjustments to the joints of the spinal column to assist the body in healing itself.
How does Veterinary Chiropractic work?
Veterinary chiropractors diagnose and treat subluxations of the joints of the spinal vertebrae (i.e. a joint that has decreased range of motion).
During the adjustment the bones are not “put back into place.” The joints that are not moving freely are found and relieved of the muscle tension holding them in a prolonged abnormal position. This muscle tension is dictated by over active nerves from the spinal cord. A joint that is not moving correctly will set off a cascade of negative effects which can be local or widespread. The symptoms we see in response to this cascade manifest as muscle spasms or tension, muscle atrophy, weakness, colic or abnormal digestion and pain amongst a host of compensatory gait and body posture changes the animal displays in order to avoid pain.
To get a little more in-depth; the act of the adjustment stimulates a sensory organ in the muscle-tendon junction where it’s attached to the vertebral bone of the spine. This stimulation de-activates the muscle i.e. the result is muscle relaxation and pain reduction. Then, there is restoration of normal joint motion which improves the health of the joint fluid, decreases pain nerves, restores normal nerve conduction and increases blood flow.
Why should you consider chiropractic for your animal family member or athlete?
The goal for the animal is that by regularly maintaining the mobility of the spine, injuries may be avoided, top athletic performance may be allowed and pain can be reduced. Another key benefit is stimulation of the nervous system. A well functioning nervous system allows the body to be able to respond normally to environmental challenges (i.e. trotting over ground poles, completing an agility course, clearing a jump or performing coordinated dressage movements).
Decreased joint mobility and muscle tension occur on a regular basis depending on the degree of stress put on the body by normal work. Any animal can benefit from chiropractic care; working dogs, dogs in competition and horses that trial ride or compete in events. Even animals with medical conditions can be helped (i.e. hip dysplasia, lameness, tendon injuries, arthritis) by treating the compensatory changes of the spine. This modality is not limited to the working or athletic animals. Animals that are family members also are subject to injuries, pain and conditions that affect their spinal mobility.
Depending on the severity and length of time of the decreased joint movement and muscle tension, chiropractic care is given in a series of therapeutic treatments. The frequency is dependent upon the condition and length that it has been apparent.