Chiropractic
Reprinted
courtesy Sandra
Priest, DVM (member, American Veterinary Chiropractic
Association). See also HomeVet
for copyright information.
Sam,
a 12-year-old miniature Dashchund, was presented for
chiropractic treatment after being diagnosed with intervertebral
disc disease in the cervical area. Despite several weeks
of medication with an anti-inflammatory drug and a muscle
relaxer, he was still experiencing severe episodes of
muscle spasm and neck pain. At the time of his first
visit, Sam had visible asymmetry in the right and left
shoulders and severe rigidity in the muscles in his
neck. There were several areas along his spine where
normal flexibility was moderately decreased. After a
course of adjustments, Sam was no longer painful and
had resumed normal activity.
Cynna, a five
year old Welsh Springer Spaniel, became lame on the
left front leg after several hours of vigorous exercise.
The lameness disappeared with rest, only to recur every
time she exercised for a prolonged period. Chiropractic
examination revealed the radial head malarticulation,
which was corrected. Gait analysis after the adjustment
was normal and the lameness has never recurred, even
during prolonged periods of heavy exercise.
Chiropractic,
an established health care system for humans, offers
our animal companions the same benefits of increased
flexibility, enhanced quality of life, and improved
health status. In addition, chiropractic provides treatment
alternatives for a variety of conditions now commonly
treated with drugs and surgery. This article discusses
chiropractic theory, describes a typical chiropractic
session, lists conditions which frequently respond to
chiropractic care, outlines behaviors that may indicate
that your animal needs an adjustment, and provides information
on how to locate a certified animal chiropractor.
Chiropractic
medicine deals with the relationship between the spinal
column and the nervous system and the crucial role of
this relationship to the maintenance of overall health.
The canine spine consists of moveable bones called vertebrae.
There are seven cervical (neck), thirteen thoracic (upper
ad mid back), seven lumbar (loin), three fused sacral,
and six to twenty-three coccygeal vertebrae. Beginning
with the second cervical vertebra, small cartilaginous
discs are present in the intervertebral spaces. These
discs provide cushioning between adjacent vertebrae
as the animal moves. Each vertebra articulates with
the adjacent vertebrae through one or more pairs of
facet joints, which play a major role in spinal flexibility.
Vertebrae of the spinal column assist in supporting
the head and provide attachment points for the muscles
responsible for locomotion. The basic movements of the
vertebral column are extension (straightening of the
spine); flexion (dorsal arching of the spine); lateral
flexion (bowing to the right or left side); and rotation.
The vertebrae
also protect the spinal cord, which runs through a canal
in the center of the vertebrae, and the 36 pairs of
spinal nerve roots, which exit the cord in the intervertebral
spaces. These spinal nerve roots serve as the connecting
structure between the central nervous system (brain
and spinal cord) and the peripheral nerves. Nerve impulses
travel from the brain down the spinal cord and out the
spinal nerves to all parts of the body. Similarly, nerve
impulses from various body components travel to the
brain via the peripheral nerves and the spinal cord.
The nervous system is responsible for initiating and
coordinating movement and for integrating all the physiologic
activities of the body. Adapting to temperature changes,
digesting a meal, responding to a stressful situation,
running, and obeying a command are examples of activities
mediated by the nervous system.
There are more
than 100 joints in the canine spine between the base
of the skull and the tail. Each of these joints has
a normal range of motion. (see figure below) Maintenance
of this range of motion is essential for balanced biomechanical
functioning of the body. When a joint can no longer
move through its full range of motion, spinal flexibility
and mobility are adversely affected.
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Chiropractic
Terminology
The American
Chiropractic Association Council on Technique defined
subluxation as "a motion segment in which alignment,
movement integrity, and/or physiological function are
altered, although contact between joint surfaces remains
intact." A motion segment is the basic functional unit
of the spine and consists of "two adjacent articulating
surfaces and the connecting tissues binding them to
each other." The motion segment includes two vertebrae,
the intervertebral disc, nerves, arteries, and soft
tissue structures (muscles, ligaments, tendons) which
participate in movement. This chiropractic definition
of subluxation is much more inclusive than the traditional
veterinary definition of a subluxation as an incomplete
luxation (dislocation). A fixation occurs when a joint
has become immobilized in any position that may occur
at rest or during normal movement. Adjustments are used
to correct fixations and subluxations. An adjustment
involves the application of a controlled, rapid thrust
of precise direction and depth delivered to a specific
contact point.
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Chiropractic
Philosophy
Chiropractic
philosophy concerning the relationship of the spinal
column to the spinal cord and nervous system is extremely
complex. While a detailed explanation of this material
is beyond the scope of this article, a high-level overview
is presented below.
Chiropractic
philosophy emphasizes that spinal health plays a key
role in overall health because all of the body's systems
are interrelated through the nervous system. A free
flow of nerve impulses from the brain and spinal cord
through the spinal and peripheral nerves to every cell
in the body is necessary to achieve the balance and
harmony in body processes called homeostasis. Malarticulations
in the spinal column can lead to interference with the
normal flow of nerve impulses to organs and other body
tissues. Although many spinal misalignments are spontaneously
corrected through normal spinal movements, some persist,
leading to impaired transmission of nerve impulses.
Because all tissues and organs in the body are controlled
by nerves from the brain and spinal cord, when a malarticulation
exists, symptoms can develop in other parts of the body
(e.g., changes in digestion or bowel function). The
area of the spine in which the malarticulation occurs
determines where these symptoms may develop. For example,
malarticulations in the upper thoracic spine can be
associated with gall bladder malfunction and other digestive
upsets. Once the malarticulation is corrected, the symptoms
typically subside.
Continuous information
regarding the status and function of all parts of the
body is received and acted upon by the brain. Through
complex nerve reflex arcs, malfunctions of internal
organs can lead to spinal malarticulations and the phenomenon
of referred pain, in which painful stimuli arising in
a visceral structure are perceived as occurring in a
more exterior portion of the body. A common example
of referred pain is the left shoulder and arm pain felt
by some patients with coronary artery disease.
Numerous studies
have demonstrated the link between the nervous and immune
systems. Psychoneuroimmunology has established a definite
relationship between immune competence and central nervous
system functions. Some researchers in this area have
concluded that the nervous system plays a key role in
body defenses. Recent studies have demonstrated relationships
between the hypothalamus, the nervous system, and immune
response as well as a functional link between the thymus
and the central nervous system. These findings are consistent
with chiropractic's neurodystrophic hypothesis which
states that neural dysfunction stresses body structures,
causing a lowered tissue resistance which can negatively
affect the immune response.
The chemical
reactions which occur within the cells of the body are
possible only within a narrow range of pH, temperature,
etc. These conditions plus the availability of metabolic
fuel and the removal of metabolic wastes must be tightly
regulated for the body to survive. The complex, integrated
control system necessary to control the these processes
and the interrelated organ systems of the body is provided
by the endocrine and nervous systems. The endocrine
glands which mediate the stress response also play a
significant role in the body's immunologic processes.
The principle
of inate healing is central to chiropractic philosophy.
Haldeman defines innate intelligence as "the intrinsic
biological ability of a healthy organism to react physiologically
to the changing conditions of the external and internal
environment." Innate intelligence controls the body's
homeostatic mechanisms (through the nervous system)
and is the source of the body's ability to heal itself
when sick or injured. Chiropractic adjustments are aimed
at removing nerve transmission interference which is
preventing full expression of the body's innate healing
ability.
A longstanding
subluxation or fixation frequently results in additional,
compensatory spinal subluxations and fixations as the
animal shifts its weight and balance to compensate for
the original area of decreased mobility and flexibility.
Joints in the limbs may secondarily be affected. Similarly,
primary lamenesses and other limb problems may result
in altered spinal flexibility. Permanent loss of mobility
and other damage may occur if normal articulation and
movement are not restored.
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Chiropractic
Examination and Treatment
Chiropractic
examination usually includes a posture and gait analysis.
Visual inspection of the animal may reveal asymmetries
(between the right and left side) that indicate chiropractic
problems. Palpation of the paraspinal muscles often
reveals painful muscle spasm or swelling and the presence
of hot or cold spots (due to altered circulation). Assessment
of vertebral alignment and joint motion may begin at
the sacrum (base of the spine) and move toward the skull
or begin with the neck and move towards the sacrum.
The position of each vertebra is assessed with respect
to other vertebrae. The atlas (first cervical vertebra)
is also assessed with respect to the occiput or back
of the skull. Deviation from normal alignment can occur
in a number of ways. Slight, relative shifts toward
the animal's head, tail, topline, ventral midline, right
side or left side are all possible. Combinations of
these shifts frequently occur. For example, a vertebra
may shift laterally (toward the right or left) and posteriorly
(toward the topline). The range of motion of the articular
facets is determined by moving each of these joints.
Fixations will be detected as decreases in expected
mobility.
Assessment of
deficiencies in alignment and mobility will indicate
how the adjustment is to be made (the line of correction).
The line of correction is designed to return a subluxated
vertebra to normal position and a fixed joint to normal
mobility. The depth at which the correction must be
made and the specific point of contact are also indicated
by the assessment. The adjustment may made with the
hand or a small instrument called an activator. Rapid
contact by the hand or activator provides the momentum
necessary to correct a fixation or subluxation; great
strength is not required.
After the spine
has been adjusted, the extremities will be assessed
in the same manner as the spine, checking for muscle
tone, hot/cold spots, and joint mobility. Adjustments
will be made as required. Physical therapy, such as
ice packs and massage, may be recommended to reduce
pain and swelling and to facilitate the healing process.
An exercise program may be designed to return the animal
to proper condition and minimize the likelihood of further
problems.
Several factors
determine the number of adjustments that will be required
to correct a problem. The age and physical condition
of the animal are important; young, healthy animals
will generally require fewer adjustments than older
animals or those with serious health problems. The length
of time the problem has been present is also a factor;
longstanding problems frequently require more adjustments
to correct than a comparable acute problem. The severity
of the problem is also a determinant; if permanent damage
has occurred, a return to full mobility may not be possible
and multiple adjustments may be necessary to achieve
whatever flexibility is possible.
Most animals
enjoy being adjusted. Frequently, animals who have been
adjusted several times will indicate where they want
an adjustment by shifting their bodies under the adjuster's
hands. Some will sigh as a subluxation is corrected.
It is common for an animal to become increasingly relaxed
as the adjustment progresses; often they are drowsy
by the end of the session. Occasionally an animal will
be slightly stiff the next day. Gait and posture are
usually visibly improved after the first adjustment.
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Chiropractic
Applications
A number
of commonly occurring conditions, including arthritis
and hip dysplasia, respond well to chiropractic care.
Many lamenesses also can be treated successfully with
chiropractic. Any time there is a loss of flexibility
in any part of the skeleton, the remaining body components
are subjected to compensatory stress as the animal shifts
its balance to compensate. This is evident in the overmuscled
fronts and stiff necks usually developed by dogs with
longstanding clinical hip dysplasia, arthritis, and
rear-end weaknesses. Chiropractic care for these animals
improves their flexibility and reduces pain levels and
the need for pain medication.
Chiropractic
care can offer an alternative to the drugs and surgery
now routinely prescribed for intervertebral disc disease
(IVD). Acute disc problems are one of the few chiropractic
emergencies and owners wishing this type of care are
advised to seek help immediately after the problem is
diagnosed. Chiropractic care for IVD is aimed at relieving
pressure (by the disc) on the spinal cord, ameliorating
pain, and restoring normal spinal flexibility. Depending
on the severity of the occurrence, multiple visits per
week may be required.
Other conditions
which may respond to chiropractic care include torticollis
(lateral neck deviation), radial nerve paralysis, and
Wobbler syndrome. Wobbler syndrome cases respond if
the underlying cause is a malarticulation of the cervical
vertebrae. Cases due to a stenotic vertebral canal may
benefit from chiropractic but it will be palliative
only. Cases of radial nerve paralysis which respond
to chiropractic are those originating from malarticulations.
Chronic gastrointestinal problems frequently respond
to chiropractic adjustment as do some lick granulomas.
Animals who have suffered any kind of trauma invariably
experience decreases in flexibility and mobility. This
includes not only animals who have had a major traumatic
event (e.g., been hit by a car) but also more minor
events like falling on a slick surface or colliding
with another dog during play. In all these instances,
chiropractic care is needed to restore flexibility and
minimize the occurrence of future spinal problems related
to the trauma.
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Conclusions
Chiropractic
care can improve our animal companions' health and quality
of life. All dogs, regardless of their age, can benefit
from periodic chiropractic checkups. Regularly scheduled
chiropractic adjustments can benefit animals with hip
dysplasia, arthritis, spondylosis, and other orthopedic
problems by maintaining flexibility and stability and
by relieving pain. Joints in the spine and limbs of
animals typically become less flexible with age, leading
to stiffness and discomfort. Regular chiropractic care
can help these animals to become more active and omfortable.
Puppies also benefit from periodic chiropractic care
to correct the fixations and subluxations caused by
rowdy play with other animals, the inevitable slips
and falls which occur as they develop coordination,
and improper leash behavior. Early chiropractic care
to maintain proper joint mobility can lessen the likelihood
that puppy mishaps will lead to flexibility problems
later in life. Anecdotal evidence suggests that puppies
who receive regular adjustments are less likely to be
diagnosed as dysplastic when compared to littermates
who received no adjustments. Dachshunds, Lhasa Apsos,
Corgis, and other breeds whose long, unsupported back
predisposes them to musculoskeletal problems will benefit
from a program of regular chiropractic adjustments.
These breeds are at increased risk for IVD; maintenance
of spinal flexibility can help decrease the probability
that such animals will develop acute disc problems.
Agility and obedience
dogs need regular chiropractic care to restore their
flexibility and to achieve and maintain peak performance.
Performance activities like jumping jumps, attention
heeling, and leash corrections place additional stress
on the competition dog's spine and limbs, leading to
loss of spinal and limb joint mobility. Most of these
dogs will be asymptomatic except for subtle signs. Many
behaviors (e.g., hesitation or reluctance to jump, failure
to maintain attention while heeling) that are often
ascribed to unwillingness to work can be caused by chiropractic
problems. Conformation dogs who consistently refuse
to stand square (stack) frequently have spinal flexibility
problems which cause the stack position to be uncomfortable.
Gait problems like crabbing, lack of rear drive, and
inadequate reach can also be symptomatic of chiropractic
problems.
Training in animal
chiropractic is provided by the American Veterinary
Chiropractic Association (AVCA) to licensed veterinarians
and chiropractors. The AVCA maintains a list of veterinarians
and chiropractors who have passed their certification
requirements. Those wishing to locate a practitioner
in their area can contact the AVCA, P. O. Box 249, Port
Byron, Illinois 61275 (phone 309-523-3995).
The American
Veterinary Medical Association is currently reviewing
its Guidelines on Alternate Therapies (including chiropractic).
The current Guidelines state that a licensed veterinarian
must diagnose, prescribe, and monitor chiropractic treatment
of animals.
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Please note:
The information provided here is meant to supplement
that provided by your veterinarian. Nothing can replace
a complete history and physical examination performed
by your veterinarian. - Dr. Jeff
I greatly value your feedback. Please let me know what
you think of this site and what you would like to see
on it. drjeff@homevet.com
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