Chiropractic medicine is based on the idea of
vertebral subluxations, and the changes that occur secondary to them. A
subluxation occurs within joints. The alignment, movement, and functions
of the joint are altered in such a way that nerve function is altered,
resulting in pain, immobility, or paralysis of certain regions of the body.
What will happen during the treatment?
When an animal is treated using chiropractic, the doctor
will first obtain a thorough medical history and perform a complete physical
examination. Signs of pain, decreased range of motion of joints, muscle spasms,
and weakness will be assessed. Inflammatory changes in the ligaments, blood
vessels, joints, nerves, muscles, and bones will be noted.
Once the areas of subluxation are identified, chiropractic manipulations can be made
in an attempt to re-align the joints and allow healing to occur. The purpose of
the manipulation is to put motion back into the joint segment. Manipulations
can be accomplished by using the hands or with a device called an activator
or spinal accelerometer. The activator applies motion into the affected
joint segment with a very high rate of speed and less pressure than what would
be applied with the hands.
Who can benefit from chiropractic treatment?
Chiropractic is best used as a preventative therapy.
Once severe degenerative changes occur, the benefits of therapy are decreased.
Agility dogs that are unable to sit for long periods, animals that have
trouble on stairs or have become less active, animals with hip, back, or
shoulder pain, unexplained lameness, muscle twitching, head tilt, or
sudden aggressiveness, may all benefit from chiropractic adjustment.
How often should my pet be treated?
Each case will differ. If there are long-standing
or advanced changes, more treatments will be required. Most cases require
about three treatments in the first month, then decrease to once a month up
to every three or four months. Commonly, we will suggest a combination of
chiropractic, acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, nutritional supplementation,
and/or herbal therapy.