The purpose of a chiropractic adjustment is to restore normal
motion and function to the spine. Evaluation of the spine by motion
palpation measures the mobility of each vertebra in relation to
the one adjacent to it, and identifies those areas that are in
need of adjustment. The adjustment is a quick thrust on a specific
contact point on a bone, delivering a force through the plane
of the joint that has become "stuck". This is sometimes
surprising to the animal, but generally not uncomfortable. Most
animals feel better right away.
All sizes of animals can be adjusted using this technique. Dogs
and cats are the most frequent visitors to our practice. They
are sometimes adjusted using a small instrument called an Activator,
which uses a spring to apply a faster thrust with a smaller mass.
This allows for easier specific adjustments on very small bones.
Horses' vertebrae are only about the size of a fist, and the adjustment
is made with the practitioner's hands on only one set of adjacent
vertebrae at a time. The importance of knowing the correct angle
and direction of thrust is paramount in being sure that the joint
is mobilized and not jammed. Long lever techniques and hammers
or mallets are not necessary and can be dangerous if excessive
force is applied.
Reduced
mobility of the spine results in dysfunction of the nerves that
come off the spinal cord and exit through the spaces between the
vertebrae. The causes or this are many, as are the effects.
Chiropractic care may be helpful for your animal if he or she
shows any of the following symptoms:
- Flinching when
touched on the back
- Decreased flexibility
in neck or back
- Weakness in the
hind quarters, with trouble jumping up
- Lameness with
or without an identifiable cause
- Intervertebral
disc disease or back pain
- Short stride in
hind or forelimb
- Change in activity
level or athletic ability
- Decrease in ease
and fluidity of movement
Chiropractic care works very well in concert with acupuncture.
Follow-up visits may be recommended, usually one or two at weekly
intervals, depending on the animal's condition.
Dr Calm began her chiropractic training at Options For Animals
Animal Chiropractic School in Hillsdale, Illinois, in 1997. She
was certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association
in 2000.
