Equine Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a manual (applying hands to the body) therapy concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the nervous system in general health. Chiropractic treatment consists of controlled force applied to a specific anatomic region, often along the spine, to cause a therapeutic response. The goal of chiropractic is to ensure smooth, coordinated movement of all spinal segments to optimize spinal joint neuromuscular function.

When a chiropractor examines a patient, he/she is looking to identify joints with a reduced range of motion. Many people are familiar with the concept of the “bone being out of place” and it is very common for people to have heard of specific joints being “out.” However, that terminology should be avoided, as it gives an inaccurate picture of what is actually occurring. As opposed to the joint actually being “out of place,” the joint is instead restricted in its normal range of motion. These “restricted” joints are corrected with a chiropractic adjustment. The goal of any adjustment is to restore the optimal range of motion to that joint, which will subsequently alleviate inflammation in and pressure on surrounding nerves and soft tissue. The inflammation, similar to static on a telephone line, makes it difficult for nerves to transmit their messages accurately. Considering that nerves coupled with the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system) control everything in the body, improving their ability to communicate well enhances overall health. This is particularly important in the spine, and chiropractic is therefore sometimes referred to as “spinal manipulative therapy.”

What to expect during a chiropractic appointment

During the exam, the doctor will carefully palpate your horse’s joints and check their range of motion, which is commonly referred to as “motion palpation.” Particular attention is given to each joint in the spine, but limbs are also evaluated. When a restricted joint is identified, it is corrected by an adjustment, which is a very specific and gentle thrust into the joint. After the adjustment, the joint is palpated again to be certain that it is moving more freely. The adjustments usually look like quick little pushes on the