subject: Chiropractic Treatment for Equine Bad backs and lameness problems [print this page] Chiropractic Treatment for Equine Bad backs and lameness problems
Equine chiropractic treatment deals with the musculo-skeletal system, primarily the spine, and the relationship of the spine with the nervous system.
The spine is a collection of irregular shaped bones called vertebrae that fit together and articulate with each other to allow movement. The spine allows a range of movement such as lowering and raising the head, arching or dipping the back and bending from side to side. The horse's spine, unlike the human's or dog's, is a fairly rigid structure, the majority of movement is in the neck and in the lumbar area, behind the saddle area and just in front of where the spine connects to the pelvis (equivalent to our hips).
Wherever 2 or more bones meet a joint is formed, and all joints allow a certain range of movement. Sometimes a joint can be taken to the extreme of its range of movement - through trauma such as a fall, a bad stumble, getting cast or through repetitive strain injury such as a badly fitting saddle, lameness or poor shoeing. When this happens the muscles will tighten around the joint to stop it going any further. This is just the body's own way of protecting itself. The muscle tightness will normally resolve itself through activity, such as rolling or normal spinal movements such as bending, however sometimes it can persist. This is usually because the muscle(s) have gone into spasm holding the joint slightly out of alignment, restricting the normal range of movement, decreasing flexibility and leading to a change or a problem in the way the horse normally moves.
When this stage is reached some physical symptoms will probably be seen. Back problems can range from subtle changes in the horse's performance to muscle spasm and soreness, stiffness, or lack of collection or impulsion or even a degree of inco-ordination. It could even show itself as a behavioural problem such as a cold back, bucking, problems with canter, not wanting to "bend" on one rein or refusing to jump.
When it gets to this stage an external influence such as an adjustment is required to restore normality. The therapist applies a short, sharp thrust to a specific area which releases muscle spasm, alleviates pain and returns the joint to its normal range of motion. This allows the equine body to restore its own natural balance, harmony and health. After the treatment the horse should rest for 24 hours or so as it may have a reaction to the treatment. This could range from feeling better straight away to being stiff, sore or appearing worse the next day. Let the horse take it easy for a few days and allow time for re-fittening the horse when it comes back into work.
Remember equine back problems can sometimes be a secondary problem to a primary cause, so you should always seek the advice of your Vet in the first instance.
There is a lot you can do to look after your own horse's back and mobility...
Find out more about assessing your horse's back, mobility, saddle fit, anatomy, shoeing and bio-mechanics - and learn massage and other exercises at www.pettherapys.com
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