Pet Spinal Manipulation Veterinary Service in Richmond, VA

Spinal Manipulations & Chiropractic Care

What is spinal manipulation? What is pet chiropractic care? Is there a difference? Technically, the term chiropractic can only be applied when referring to humans. Thus, chiropractic is a term that does not technically exist within the field of veterinary medicine. While the time may not technically be approved, the art of chiropractic care is most definitely alive and well within veterinary medicine. To get around the semantics, we often refer to chiropractic work on animals as spinal manipulation, so these terms can be considered the same.

The spine extends from the neck to the tailbone. A healthy spine is essential to a healthy and active lifestyle, whereas poor spinal health impacts the nervous system. Hundreds of muscles, ligaments, and tendons are attached to the spine, impacting performance, health, and activity. Many of our Chiropractic patients are agility dogs whose owners want to keep them moving and performing well.

Yes, Veterinary chiropractic manipulations can manage much more than back pain by affecting nerves as they leave the spinal column. Only about 10% of nerves register pain, while the remaining 90% control the body by influencing organ function, the endocrine and nervous systems, muscle strength, and many vital bodily operations.

Conditions as variable as incontinence-both urinary and fecal, gastrointestinal problems, and patellar locations can all be effectively addressed with chiropractic manipulations.

In spinal manipulation, a subluxation (spinal structural displacement) is felt as a decreased movement in the spine. With a gentle, controlled thrust, the specific subluxated or fixed vertebrae are corrected, eliminating local pain and restoring nerve flow to the body.

Treatment for animals with spinal disease is possible. However, special care must be taken.