What is Chiropractic

 Chiropractic comes from the Greek words 'cheir' (which means 'hand'), and 'praxis' (which means 'done by hand'). Chiropractic has been a popular form of therapy for humans for centuries, but veterinary chiropractic has only gained acceptance in the traditional vet community in the last 15 years. Chiropractic is based on manual spinal manipulation. It uses the body's own healing abilities and the relationship between the spine and the nervous system to restore and maintain good health. Chiropractic therapy focuses on the vertebral column.
The goal is to alter the progression of the disease process and restore the critical relationship between the spine and the central nervous system.
Chiropractic actually has its own language. Vertebral lesions are called subluxations and describe vertebra with an abnormal positional relationship. In other words, when bones in the spine are out of position in relation to one another, and if they are not moving properly, then this vertebral alignment problem creates disturbances in the way the body moves, which interferes with nerve function. These disturbances are called vertebral subluxation complexes or VSCs. They are also called segmental dysfunction.

Signs your pet may have a subluxation

Symptoms in a pet with a subluxation can range from mild to severe. Generally, if there is pain, you'll notice a change in your pet's behavior. A dog in pain will often pant more than normal. He also might pace or yelp. He may sit or stand in an abnormal, awkward position. He might also show problems with his coordination. He might drag a foot, or move his head or tail strangely. Sometimes there is discomfort when a collar or harness is put on. Dogs and cats may refuse to jump up on things or move in normal ways. Some pets will develop fear biting because of the pain. Many show sensitivity to being touched in certain places on their body. Sometimes you can even detect a pain response in your pet's facial expression.
And then there are the sort of normal signs of pain like excessive vocalizing – yelling, yowling, and even screaming.
All these signs are indications your pet is having a pain response, and in fact, she may be in much more pain than you're aware of. Subluxations can cause other problems as well, including stiffness, lameness, difficulty going up and down stairs, muscle atrophy, changes in gait like 'sidewinding' or 'crabbing', stumbling, weakness and paralysis.