Discover the Power of Chiropractic, Part 1 of 3

A new series exploring the mechanics and benefits of equine chiropractic care

by Brooke Johnson, DVM

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic is a holistic health care system widely used in human medicine and quickly growing within the veterinary field. The word “chiropractic” is a combination of the Greek words for “hand” (cheiros) and “done by” (praktikos), meaning “done by hand.” The science and philosophy of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between spinal biomechanics and the nervous system. Restoring spinal motion will optimize nervous system function. Since the nervous system is critical for all body functions, a restriction to spinal movement will adversely affect coordination of movement and overall health.

Chiropractic is not intended to replace traditional veterinary care, but offers a complimentary therapy that is used to successfully treat many health and performance problems.

 

Focus on the Spine

The equine spine is a complex structure made of bone, ligament, cartilage, nerve and muscle. It has two very different, but very important, functions. The first is to protect the spinal cord that runs within the spine. The spinal cord and the many nerves emerging from it are necessary to keep the information highway of the body communicating openly between the brain and every part of the animal’s body. The second function of the spine is to facilitate movement. Individual vertebral joints have little mobility, but when acting as a whole the back and neck are quite flexible. Horses are phenomenal athletes, and the spine is the centerpiece of the biomechanical mechanism that takes propulsive forces generated in the hindquarters and translates the energy into forward movement. Knowing both of these functions, it is easy to see why a healthy spine allows a horse to be flexible, healthy and happy. Conversely, a spine that does not move properly will cause a horse to be stiff, sick, and not performing to its potential.

Vertebral Subluxation Complexes

Vertebral subluxation complex (VSC) is the term used by animal chiropractors to label a joint of the spine that exhibits a restricted range of movement. Simply put, the joint is “stuck.” Flexibility at that area of the spine is decreased and the body compensates by over-flexing a different part of the spine. Compensation uses extra energy and requires engagement of different muscles that are asked to do a job they are not intended to do. VSCs identified during a chiropractic exam are corrected by an adjustment. An adjustment is a quick, short, controlled thrust along a joint plane. These corrections are very specific, high speed, low amplitude motions that cause a stuck joint to become unstuck. The list of reasons VSCs develop is quite long and will be covered in an upcoming article.

What to Expect

Veterinarians or chiropractors who have taken extensive animal chiropractic post-graduate training are eligible to be members of the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA) or American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA). Using a doctor certified by one of these organizations will ensure your animal is getting the very best treatment. 

A chiropractic exam begins by discussing the animal’s medical history and any current conditions the owner hopes to address through chiropractic. The doctor will begin to examine the animal and make a determination whether examination by the primary care veterinarian is necessary prior to chiropractic therapy. If the doctor feels it is appropriate to proceed with chiropractic care, then the entire musculoskeletal system will be palpated for soreness, muscle spasm, pain, swelling and muscle atrophy. The animal will be observed in motion to identify gait abnormalities. Then, the spine will be motion-palpated to identify VSCs. Each VSC identified will be treated by a chiropractic adjustment. Although particular attention will be given to the spine, other joints within the legs, jaw, or skull may also be adjusted. Lastly, aftercare instructions regarding exercise and follow-up appointments will be given. 

Will Your Horse Enjoy a Chiropractic Exam? 

Yes! Chiropractic exams and treatments should be very positive and enjoyable for both you and your animal. 

Upcoming articles in this series will explore chiropractic further. Topics to be covered include how to determine which horses will benefit from chiropractic care, what causes restriction of spinal movement, and the science of how an adjustment affects the nervous system.