Addressing the Problem

Equine chiropractic seems to be trending more towards the norm and I’m so happy about that. But maybe you don’t believe the $150 every 2-4 weeks is worth it yet? Lets touch on just a few disciplines for today.

Where is the pressure at in this horse? Obviously at the poll and cervical vertebrae. We ask horses to stay flexed for significant amounts of time and movement under stress causes a subluxation. Especially during the training phase. What you may not know is that a subluxation in the neck can effect the length of the hind legs. This effects the pelvis, SI joint, stifle, hocks etc. To go further, all but 2 of the major nerves go through the middle bone of the poll. ALL but TWO! That a lot of pressure on the most important sensory information highway in the body. A quick adjustment takes the pressure off of those nerves and allows the brain to communicate appropriately with the rest of the body, therefore allowing performance to continue at a high level. These nerves control literally everything, such as the larynx, lungs, and GI. Something to think about right? Subluxations in the neck also directly effect stride, which could be enough to lose the race.

What about this horse? There’s no pressure on this neck right? Wrong. There is a different type of pressure in extension, especially on the nucal ligament. It still causes a subluxation over time, in a different direction, but in the same location. This horse will have the same secondary problems as the one described above. Ability to flex the neck and thoracic vertebrae is vital to overall spine health and is something that needs to be acknowledged in these horses that keep their head low.

Being heavy handed with the reins can lead to subluxations of the TMJ. Again, this is a spot where several major nerves run by, and any pressure on them can lead to disfunction. Any disfunction this high up ultimately effects everything further down the line. Are you seeing the connection here? Horses can also get headaches which can cause them to be moody! If you've had a behavior change in a normally pleasant horse, start to think subluxation of TMJ or the poll before you pull out the Regumate. The TMJ is going to be a common subluxation found in lesson horses, or horses in training where moments of heavy hands may be necessary for the safety of the rider. Do these guys a favor and keep them adjusted so they keep their desire to work.

In general, most equine owners agree chiropractic care helps. I want to add to that mentality, I want everyone to agree chiropractic care PREVENTS. Consider routine adjustments for your best friend and watch the bodies innate ability work its magic!