Spinal Manipulation (Chiropractic Care) FAQs
Spinal Manipulation (Chiropractic Care) FAQs
What is Spinal Manipulation?
Similar to a chiropractic adjustment, Spinal Manipulation involves the manipulation and adjustment of the spine and other joints in animals. It is also known as Veterinary Medical Manipulation (VMM). The health of cartilage, muscles and nerves are dependent upon normal motion. If a joint becomes restricted in its motion, this will result in abnormal mobility, muscle tension, pain, weakened muscles, malnourished cartilage, abnormal gait, reduced function and reduced performance. Restrictions affecting the vertebrae may cause impingement of spinal nerves, which can result in lameness, organ dysfunction, and reduced immune response.
What are the goals and methods of Spinal Manipulation?
The goal of Spinal Manipulation is to identify areas in the body that are not moving normally and to restore normal range of motion by applying a very specific and gentle thrust. Spinal Manipulation does not replace conventional medical therapy but does enhance the animal’s health and ability to heal by improving biomechanics, nerve function and immune response. It is often the key to solving cases that are difficult to diagnose or that are not responding to other treatments. One of the goals of regular spinal manipulation is to treat restrictions in motion to restore normal function and prevent conditions from progressing to the point that they require conventional medical care.
Clients that have performance animals find that with regular preventative treatments their animals are able to train and compete with fewer set-backs or injuries.
How safe is Spinal Manipulation?
Spinal Manipulation is VERY safe when performed by a trained and certified practitioner. Side effects are rare and are usually limited to transient discomfort that lasts no more than one to two days. Spinal Manipulation involves very specific and gentle manipulations that, unlike other manipulative techniques, work only within the normal range of motion of the joint. Animals accept this treatment well and resolution of the restriction often results in immediate relief from pain. Most animals enjoy their treatment.
How many treatments are needed?
Number of treatments depend on the nature, severity and duration of the disease process. A single treatment may suffice for a minor or acute problem. A severe or chronic problem may require 3 or more sessions for maximum improvement. Sessions are generally spaced 1 to 4 weeks apart when a disease process is present. Optimally, Spinal Manipulation is performed as preventative healthcare every 1-3 months to aid in the prevention of injuries and disease. High performance animals benefit from more frequent treatment, every 2-4 weeks during the competition season.
What are signs that my animal needs Spinal Manipulation?
What are some common conditions that respond well to Spinal Manipulation?
Similar to a chiropractic adjustment, Spinal Manipulation involves the manipulation and adjustment of the spine and other joints in animals. It is also known as Veterinary Medical Manipulation (VMM). The health of cartilage, muscles and nerves are dependent upon normal motion. If a joint becomes restricted in its motion, this will result in abnormal mobility, muscle tension, pain, weakened muscles, malnourished cartilage, abnormal gait, reduced function and reduced performance. Restrictions affecting the vertebrae may cause impingement of spinal nerves, which can result in lameness, organ dysfunction, and reduced immune response.
What are the goals and methods of Spinal Manipulation?
The goal of Spinal Manipulation is to identify areas in the body that are not moving normally and to restore normal range of motion by applying a very specific and gentle thrust. Spinal Manipulation does not replace conventional medical therapy but does enhance the animal’s health and ability to heal by improving biomechanics, nerve function and immune response. It is often the key to solving cases that are difficult to diagnose or that are not responding to other treatments. One of the goals of regular spinal manipulation is to treat restrictions in motion to restore normal function and prevent conditions from progressing to the point that they require conventional medical care.
Clients that have performance animals find that with regular preventative treatments their animals are able to train and compete with fewer set-backs or injuries.
How safe is Spinal Manipulation?
Spinal Manipulation is VERY safe when performed by a trained and certified practitioner. Side effects are rare and are usually limited to transient discomfort that lasts no more than one to two days. Spinal Manipulation involves very specific and gentle manipulations that, unlike other manipulative techniques, work only within the normal range of motion of the joint. Animals accept this treatment well and resolution of the restriction often results in immediate relief from pain. Most animals enjoy their treatment.
How many treatments are needed?
Number of treatments depend on the nature, severity and duration of the disease process. A single treatment may suffice for a minor or acute problem. A severe or chronic problem may require 3 or more sessions for maximum improvement. Sessions are generally spaced 1 to 4 weeks apart when a disease process is present. Optimally, Spinal Manipulation is performed as preventative healthcare every 1-3 months to aid in the prevention of injuries and disease. High performance animals benefit from more frequent treatment, every 2-4 weeks during the competition season.
What are signs that my animal needs Spinal Manipulation?
- Abnormal gait or undefined lameness
- Abnormal posture or stance
- Reduced performance or lack of power
- Sitting to one side or “Puppy Sitting”
- Reluctance to move, jump or climb stairs
- Stiffness or reluctance to bend
- Pain during certain movements or when lifted
- Discomfort when being groomed or hypersensitivity to touch
- Recurrent digestive problems or incontinence
- Difficulty with lead changes or lateral work
- Neck or back pain
- Recurrent infections or inflammatory conditions
- Lick granulomas
What are some common conditions that respond well to Spinal Manipulation?
- Lameness without a structural cause
- Back and neck pain
- Decreased performance
- Chronic musculoskeletal problems such as sacroiliac disease, hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, arthritis
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Nerve pain such as sciatic neuralgia
- Geriatric animals- to maintain function and mobility