About Animal Chiropractic
What is Animal Chiropractic?
Animal Chiropractic involves the adjustment of joint subluxations. In terms of chiropractic care, subluxations or “restrictions” can be joints that are not moving like they should be. This can be where the joints are essentially “stuck” outside of normal motion, or are sitting in an incorrect position leading to a reduction in movement. When this occurs the animal‘s nervous system can react negatively, which can have an affect on the animal’s entire body.
The reason this occurs is because of how the nervous system functions. The control center of the body is the brain, which sends and receives signals through the spinal cord. The spinal cord is protected by the bones of the spine, which are called vertebrae. Nerves branch off of the spinal cord and exit through holes in the vertebrae, where they will go to every part of the body from the muscles, to the skin and every organ. If the movement and biomechanics of the spine are not functioning properly it can interfere with the nerve signals, where the signals can become unable to fully reach their destinations. This can lead to tension, stiffness, reduced performance, slower movements, pain and even problems with organ function.
Besides improving nerve flow and pain relief, chiropractic care can also help with improving the body’s natural healing process, decrease the progress of arthritis, and improve immune function.
How do I know if my animal needs chiropractic care?
Any changes in their behavior could be due to pain or a reduction in joint or nerve function. However, the best way to know if your pet or animal needs chiropractic care is through a physical assessment.
Some signs that your animals could benefit from chiropractic care:
- Moving and acting slower
- Sensitive to touch
- Having difficulty standing up or laying down
- Unwillingness to jump
- Lameness or limping behaviors
- Unwillingness to perform tasks or tricks
- Seems anxious or irritable
- Appears stiff
- Muscles are weak or appear atrophied (smaller).
- Has been diagnosed with neck or back issues
- Has been diagnosed with arthritis
- Has had a recent or old injury
- Is dropping food and having issues chewing
- Has bowel or bladder issues
“Chiropractic care does not replace traditional veterinary medicine; however, it can provide additional means of diagnosis and treatment options for spinal problems, as well as biomechanical related musculoskeletal disorders.” (IVCA)
