Spinal manipulation is very similar to chiropractic - the examination and the manipulations (or adjustments) have the same goal, which is to restore normal function and normal range of motion. However, when applied to animals, this type of manipulative therapy is correctly called spinal manipulation or veterinary medical manipulation.

Spinal manipulation and chiropractic both start with a specialized examination of the equine spine and limb joints to find restrictions or areas of decreased range of motion - this is called a motion palpation exam. Specific manipulations, or adjustments, are then used to restore normal range of motion (ROM) and normal function to the joint(s). These manipulations involve a high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) thrust directed in the plane of the joint - this requires proper knowledge of equine anatomy and extensive training, but not extreme strength.

A subluxation is defined as misaligned vertebrae leading to hypomobility of a motion unit.

More simply, it is an area of the spine or joint that is "restricted" and unable to move correctly - and thus, subluxation and restriction are synonyms and can be used interchangeably. Restrictions are caused by trauma, confinement, exercise, age, and the day to day activities of performance horses, but can be worsened by poor saddle fit, an unbalanced rider, poor hoof balance, and lack of cross-training and/or proper conditioning. Common areas for restrictions include the poll, lower neck, back, pelvis, and sacrum.

Restrictions result in decreased range of motion and lead to decreased flexibility, increased stiffness, resistance and often pain.

In addition, misaligned vertebrae can cause problems at the spinal cord level and where nerves exit between two vertebrae leading to a decrease in information flowing through the nervous system. Not only can this be painful, but also can decrease the nervous systems ability to send and receive information to and from muscles, which can cause missteps or shortened stride, muscle damage and atrophy, joint and tendon injury and poor performance.

Lastly, restrictions may lead to a change in posture or compensation to avoid pain and this can lead to secondary restrictions, additional injuries, and/or lameness.

A restrictions is corrected by a spinal (chiropractic) manipulation adjustment. This involves proper knowledge of anatomy, specific training, and a high velocity, low amplitude thrust directed in the plane of the joint. When performed correctly this will remove the restriction and restore normal range of motion.

There are many signs of restrictions, but often they involve a painful or compensatory gait or postural change, poor performance and/or refusal to work. This can vary from shortness of stride and lameness to muscle atrophy, from bucking under saddle to asymmetrical sweating. It is important to note that these signs can also be caused by injuries or traumas that may require an integrated approach using both western and complementary therapies, and it is important to seek out veterinary advice for a whole horse examination. 

Below is a list of some of the common clinical signs of restrictions:

• Change in behavior or attitude, while saddling, riding, etc.

• Change in performance or decreased energy

• Girthiness

• Refusing jumps

• Resistance to collect or laterally bend 

• Hard on one rein

• Sticking tongue out

• Avoiding bit contact

• Difficulty with one lead, always landing on the same lead after a jump

• Wringing tail

• Stiffness

• Shortened stride

• Muscle atrophy

• Difficulty flexing at the poll

• Lameness

• Bucking, especially in gait changes like trot to canter

• Poor muscle development

• Asymmetrical sweat pattern

• Dragging toes

As a horse owner, you can monitor for signs of restrictions by assessing your horse routinely for:

• Normal range of motion or changes in range of motion - Can your horse bend in both directions with the same ease? Back up normally? Any changes felt under saddle?

• Appropriate muscling - Are there any asymmetries? Pain? Areas of tension or muscle atrophy?

• Proper posture - Does your horse stand square or always with one limb rested? 

If you notice any of the above signs or changes in your routine monitoring, it may be time to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Reed discusses these monitoring techniques, as well as conditioning exercises to minimize restrictions, with owners during spinal manipulation appointments. If you have any questions, please just ask!

In the state of Texas, spinal manipulation or chiropractic manipulation can only be performed by either a licensed veterinarian or a (human) doctor of chiropractic certified in veterinary spinal manipulation.

Dr. Reed's EVMM training and certification is through the Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute - this program is the only medical manipulation course offered exclusively to veterinarians and focused specifically on equine medicine. This style program allows for a very in-depth approach, including the discussion of conventional and integrative veterinary medicine diagnostics and treatments, as well as hands-on wet labs in radiology, ultrasound therapy, anatomy, and biomechanics.

When performed by a trained and certified animal chiropractor or veterinarian, spinal manipulation is very safe.

Absolutely!!

Dr. Reed commonly uses both modalities during the same appointment, and often adds laser therapy as well. Acupuncture and spinal manipulation are synergistic - when used together we see the greatest benefit for our patients.

A typical adjustment will take about 30 minutes, although initial visits are often a little longer. When combined with acupuncture, appointments are generally 45 to 60 minutes.

The number of sessions depends on many factors, including the disease or condition being treated, the horse's age, and the chronicity of the problem. In general, conditions that have been going on for a long time require more sessions, sometimes monthly, and newer conditions can require fewer sessions. 

Ideally, Dr. Reed recommends evaluating all high performing horses every 4 to 6 weeks and then utilizing acupuncture, spinal manipulation and laser therapy as needed. This schedule allows Dr. Reed to find and remove restrictions before they cause secondary and compensatory problems. Pre-show adjustments are also an excellent way to ensure your horse is in tiptop condition, but it is important to discuss timing with Dr. Reed when scheduling, especially if this is your horse's first adjustment.

After the first spinal manipulation appointment, Dr. Reed commonly recommends 24 hours rest from heavy work. However, since movement is often beneficial post-adjustment, turnout, hand walking and/or light under saddle work is often recommended.