What is Chiropractic Care?

How Does It Work?

The spine, nerves, and the brain have a functional relationship that is involved in the execution of any task that is presented to the body throughout the day. Whether it be a horse, dog, chicken, or human, all animals have a spine that plays an integral role in housing this relationship. If a spinal vertebra or bone is in an abnormal position, referred to as a “vertebral subluxation”, this will cause interference to the nervous system and will result in inhibited nerve and blood flow not only to the localized area of  the subluxation but also to the rest of the body. It is this vertebral subluxation that chiropractors specialize in correcting through a specific and gentle input to the impacted vertebral region, which is called an “adjustment”.

Adjustments are performed by hand and are gentle, safe, and specific. The goal of the adjustment is to remove any subluxations that cause interference in the nervous system, enabling better neurological control of the body and further helping to restore movement and healing. A subluxation is characterized by a lack of motion in a joint that results in nerve and blood flow interference. Subluxations can stem from a variety of  sources, including physical trauma, emotional stressors, and chemical imbalances. If interference from a subluxation is allowed to persist, it can result in a cascade of issues, including pain, reduced mobility, slower healing, compromised digestion, sleep disturbances, and alterations in behavior.

During an adjustment, the animal is fully aware and is not under sedation or anesthesia.

Where a correction is needed, a gentle yet specific thrust is applied. Occasionally a pop or crack can be heard when a joint is released. However, this is not as common in animals as it is in people.

Dogs are adjusted while on the ground or a table, cats can be adjusted sitting on a table or pillow, whatever is most comfortable for them.

It is never too soon or too late to incorporate animal chiropractic care into your pet’s wellness plan. Animal Chiropractic focuses on the restoration and preservation of health by removing communication barriers and restoring normal function. This therapy is not limited to an injured or sick pet. Healthy and athletic animals are ideal candidates for chiropractic examination and care. By intervening sooner, you are helping your pet to maintain a healthy body and prevent the development or progression of chronic conditions and misalignments. Early intervention can be a key factor in ensuring your pet’s long term health, comfort, and vitality. If your pet has recently incurred an injury, that is also a great time to come in for an exam to help with the healing process and get them on their way back to wellness.

For the initial visit, expect a one hour duration. During this visit, a thorough history and physical exam will be performed. For most follow up adjustments, expect a 20-30 minute visit. Each case may vary slightly and will be tailored to suit that pet’s specific needs.

Every animal’s plan of treatment is individualized and based on nature and severity of the disease, duration of illness and/or injury, and age of the animal. In most cases, multiple adjustments are required to allow for noticeable improvements, but it is possible to see symptoms resolve faster.