Did you know that animals can benefit from chiropractic adjustments as well as people? Chiropractic is a branch of animal healthcare that focuses on the health of the neuro-musculo-skeletal system. This is because the nervous system controls everything that happens in the body. The brain and the spinal cord are the command centers of the body and they communicate with muscles and organs through spinal nerves. The bones of the spinal column encase the brain and spinal cord, allowing for movement and providing protection to these important structures.
If the movement and biomechanics of the vertebra become impaired, it can interfere with the spinal nerves that are branching off of the spinal cord going to the muscles and organs. When a vertebra puts pressure on the nearby nerves this is called a subluxation. Subluxations can affect the signals that the nerves are transmitting from the brain, resulting in decreased and even loss of function of muscles and organs. The body's ability to heal and regulate itself can also become compromised.
Symptoms of spinal fixations, or subluxations, include:
Pain
Stiffness
Spasm
Sensitivity to touch
Trouble standing up
Gait abnormalities
Cold-back and girthiness in horses
Decreased muscle tone
Lameness
Postural abnormalities
Behavior changes or new disobediences
Subluxations are caused by some form of stress, including physical, emotional, or chemical. Physical stress is some form of trauma to the body, such as falls, fights, saddle fit, harness fit, tugging on a leash, and jumping. Emotional stress can include being in a new environment, being left alone, getting a new owner, or getting another pet. Chemical stress includes processed or sugary foods, soaps, medicines and vaccines, and polluted water or air.
Chiropractors detect subluxations by checking the animal's posture, range of motion, and muscle tone. Gait analysis may also be used to determine imbalances. An animal will also often have tenderness or pain at the location of a subluxation. Subluxations are corrected using gentle adjustments to the spine to restore normal motion to restricted vertebra. Animal chiropractic is NOT meant to replace traditional veterinary care. When used in conjunction with good veterinary care, it can allow animals to enjoy years of happy and healthy living.
Benefits of chiropractic adjustments include:
Improved performance for animal athletes
Maintenance care for animals with chronic musculoskeletal issues or older animals
Decreased pain, stiffness, and tension
If you are interested in having your dog, cat, or horse adjusted, text (931)952-6808 to schedule!
Stable Chiropractic and Miller Chiropractic Center
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