The components of subluxation which is the common problem that most dogs and horses have that chiropractic treats. These components are addressed by the animal chiropractor
Kinesiopathology, or the pathology of movement, starts with the initial misalignment of the joint, which is made up of two or more separate bones. Each and every spinal segment contributes a small portion of the total amount of movement that allows the dog’s back to move. When one segment is not moving correctly then the segments in front or behind may become hyper mobile in an attempt to maintain normal range of motion. Hyper mobility leads to degenerative changes and eventually loss of mobility of another segment. Kinesiopathology restricts the dog’s ability to move in any or all ranges of motion.
Neuropathology is the result of kinesiopathology and problems in the nervous system. A nerve exits the spinal canal between two vertebras. If these vertebras are subluxated there may be pain, heat, swelling, muscle spasm and loss of motion in and around the area.
Myopathology includes the tightness and spasms that occur in the muscles supplied by the nerves exiting the vertebral canal between the subluxated vertebra. This tightness can be isolated to the small muscles that connect one vertebra to the next or it can extend to the long muscles that run along the entire length of the dog’s back. This tightness can cause pain and weakness in the muscle and may lead to changes in the curve of the dog’s spine.
Connective Tissue Pathology includes the changes that are seen in the tendons, ligaments, and supporting tissues in the area of the subluxation. Immobilization of these tissues leads to profound degenerative changes in as little as three days. Cartilage shrinks increasing its susceptibility to damage from minor trauma. Adhesions start to form which further decreases mobility in the area. Ligaments start to shorten leading to tightness in the area.
Inflammatory Response includes the swelling, heat, redness, altered function, and pain that are the body’s response to inflammation that results from the subluxation. This is the most common reason that people seek out chiropractic care for themselves or their dogs. Nerves surrounding an inflamed area become hyper excitable and they will continue to fire even after stimulus has been removed. The pain from a subluxation will vary depending on the severity and acuteness of the problem.
