Chiropractic Care
Animal Chiropractors heal through the power of touch
By Stephanie Harper
Photo: Tim Hockley

Animal chiropractor Dr. Mary Anne Staples loves her job. She works with a number of different species, enjoys scenic surroundings and revels in rewards that often go beyond words. Take, for instance, the miniature pony she treated for lameness. She recalls on her second visit how the pony came to her when called and actually laid its leg across her arm as if to say: "It felt good the first time, lets do it again."

Dr. Staples is one of more than 500 vets and chiropractors from around the world, certified by the American Veterinary and Chiropractic Association (AVCA). They receive their training in animal chiropractic at the Options for Animals Teaching College at the Animal Chiropractic Center in Hillsdale, Illinois - the only facility in North America that offers an Animal Chiropractic Program.

According to the AVCA, Animal chiropractic is based on the same theories as Human chiropractic, which believes that the spinal column is intimately connected to the nervous system and that it plays a major role in biomechanics and movement.

Just as in Humans, an animal's spinal health is essential for overall well-being. Nerves from the brain and spinal cord control all body systems, including organs. It is imposable to achieve harmony and balance - the goal of all holistic therapies - without a free flowing of energy from the spinal cord to all parts of the body. But free-flowing energy cannot occur if the individual vertebra has restricted or limited movement.

Both Humans and animals have vertebral columns made up of cervical (neck), thoracic (upper to mid back), lumbar (lower back, sacral (which are fused), and coccygeal (tail) vertebrae. The number of each type varies among the species. The faces of the vertebral bones and the intervertebral discs that provide cushioning between these bones has to be flexible enough to move freely. As well, each vertebra has six different surfaces where it touches other bones, such as the fibs or pelvis. The restriction or limitation of movement of any of these joints or surfaces can be caused by mild to severe traumas, emotional stress, or toxins. The result is a sand papering effect and the two faces of the joint isn't restored, nerves running from the spinal cord out to the body can get compressed or irritated, and cause pain. This in turn affects the ability for the brain to communicate with certain parts of the body. The muscles surrounding the joints will tighten and spasm, pressing on fine nerve endings and restricting capillary circulation, which again causes pain. If you have ever had an animal flinch when you have run your hands down it's back, this is the reason why.

Sometimes the problem will resolve itself on it's own, but when it doesn't and the problem persists, symptoms appear in other parts of the body, depending on which area of the spine is involved. The changes might be subtle, such as digestive disturbances or behavioral changes, or they may be quite marked, such as the dragging of a hind limb or lameness. Regardless, this may be a good time to call in the chiropractor for an adjustment.

It is impossible to achieve harmony and balance - the goal of all holistic therapies - without a free flowing of energy from the spinal cord to all parts of the body.

An adjustment is like oiling a squeaky door hinge

An adjustment is like fixing a door hinge (the spinal column) that squeaks when opened. without use, the hinge has become rusty and won't move easily; its range of motion has been compromised. When Chiropractors do an adjustment, they remove the rust and add oil, allowing the hinge to swing freely. The adjustment realigns out-of-place vertebrae and corrects fixations (a joint fixed in its position). The movement involved in adjusting an animal requires more finesse than it does strength, explains Dr. Staples. "It is a gentle focus on an area." The usual range of motion is re-introduced, allowing the joint to self-lubricate with synovial fluid. As long as there continues to be motion between the two faces of the joint, the synovial fluid will be released, and motion will become easier.

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Published in the Summer 2000 issue of Animal Wellness Magazine