Chiropractic by Jennifer Prince, DVM
Veterinary Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
http://www.peteducation.com/article_print.cfm?cls=0&articleid=1342

'Chiropractic' comes from the Greek words for 'practicing with the hands'.
When the vertebrae, the bones of the spine, are not aligned correctly,
the joint, muscle, nerve, connective tissue, blood flow and function of
an area can be affected. Chiropractic is a system of manipulation and
adjustments of the bones of the spine to deal with subluxations and the
secondary problems derived from them. The word 'adjustment' is normally
used in describing the specific, quick, high velocity and controlled
thrust on the specific joint that is being manipulated. It restores the
normal range of motion to the affected joint and releases the pressure
to the surrounding tissues.

An adjustment can result in immediate total relief of symptoms or partial
relief. Sometimes the pain relief may be only temporary; the animal may
move a certain way again, cause a maladjustment, then be in pain again.
This may necessitate multiple trips to the veterinary chiropractor.

In the last few years, an instrument called an 'Activator' has been used
on animals. It is a spring-loaded device which looks like a syringe which
when tripped delivers a high velocity short stroke. It may create less
apprehension for the dogs and cats than normal hands-on chiropractic and
allows multiple adjustments to be performed much more easily.

While chiropractic therapy is normally thought of as a method of pain
relief, it should be remembered that since all of our organ systems are
controlled by nerves, any disruption of proper nerve flow will also affect
function. The correction of vertebral subluxations may improve the health
of some internal organs such as the heart and gastrointestinal system.

For more information, contact:

American Veterinary Chiropractic Association
Dr. Sharon Willoughby
623 Main Street
Hillsdale, IL 61257
309-658-2920 (Office)
309-658-2622 (Fax)
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