IT IS well documented that horses can suffer with back problems and they tell us by their actions. Sometimes the signs are blatant; for instance the horse stops jumping, or displays an obvious aversion to being saddled.

Most of the time the signs he might show are much more subtle. For example, he may slightly change his way of moving in order to avoid pain and if untreated this becomes a chronic and long-term problem, the slight change of gait becoming a progressive shortening of stride and a reduced level of performance.

The power source in the equine comes from the hind limbs propelling the body forward. If there is pain within that area the animal will use less power and therefore go slower, or be unable to clear fences, than if he felt no pain.

Horses regularly exhibit behavioural changes and problems as a result of back pain such as trauma from a fall or getting cast, badly fitting tack, dental problems, repetitive concussion and compression from hard ground, over-exertion and fatigue, and foot imbalance.

Some of the classic signs that trouble is brewing are intermittent lameness, jumping fast or flat and refusal to jump, hollowing in the back, reduced impulsion from the hind quarters, dragging of toes and tripping, character and behavioural changes, and displaying signs of sourness and depression.

A momentary error of judgement by horse or rider can force a horse to use its athletic ability to get out of trouble. The horse can go on to complete the course or win the race that day but later, when the body has cooled down and the tired muscles are trying to recover, an ache can develop because of that over-exertion. A subluxation may have occurred.

What is subluxation? The skeleton is responsible for supporting the body and providing it with a strong framework consisting of rigid components which can move relative to each other at articulating joints. The spinal column provides protection to the spinal cord. If a joint in the spinal column were to be dislocated that would result in damage to the spinal cord and paralysis.

Between each pair of vertebrae, a pair of spinal nerves leave the spinal cord through a small 'gap' in the muscles, ligaments and other soft tissues.

Treatment using Mctimoney-Corley Spinal Therapy is an effective method of restoring health by gentle corrective manipulation of the bones of the head, spinal column, pelvis and limbs, thereby ensuring the proper functioning of the nerves and endocrine systems which control the natural self-healing capability of the body.

Manipulation adjustments help relieve pressure on nerves, free up muscle tension/spasm and enable realignment of the spine, thereby reducing pain. This allows the body to function normally, to its optimum, and to heal itself.

Mctimoney-Corley therapists use a fast reflex manipulation technique which works with the body, not against it. Any misaligned bones or impinged nerves are not forced back into place but are coaxed into position by adjustments that encourage soft tissue release.

It is important to realise that Mctimoney-Corley Spinal Therapy does not just relieve pain, but it can, and often does, remove the cause of other disease. No cell or organ of the body can function properly without its correct supply of nerve impulses.

Before treatment commences you will be asked a wide range of questions about the history of your horse, its age, breed, feeding, fitness programme, and any past treatments.

Your horse will be seen at walk and/or faster paces to identify lameness or gait abnormalities, and possibly ridden and/or jumped. There is an initial thorough examination followed by a palpation of the spine to feel for muscle tension, spasms, pain and skeletal misalignments which may indicate trapped nerves. Joints will also be checked for the appropriate range of movement.

After assessment, appropriate manipulation adjustments will be applied to relieve pressure on nerves, free up muscle spasms and enable re-alignment of the spine. Treatment is followed by rest for a period of time discussed with you by your therapist.

Repeated exertion puts a great deal of stress on all parts of the musculoskeletal system. Each bone, joint, ligament and tendon of the leg right through to the spine is part of a chain, each element has its part to play, and as with any chain it is only as strong as its weakest link. All joints are susceptible to impact injury from the force of the limb hitting the ground at speed, supporting and propelling the body forward, or from the take off and landing over obstacles.

Even with perfect conformation the performance horse and its joints are subjected to daily wear and tear. The joints are designed to absorb shock, permit frictionless movement, and bear the weight of the body. 60-65pc of the weight of the horse's body is borne by the forelimbs and they are thus subjected to greater concussive effects than the hind legs when the horse is moving at speed.

The repeated shock of impact with the ground is responsible for the development of osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease - DJD). In DJD the onset of lameness is gradual. Initially, changes to stride length are imperceptible, but the horse is changing his way of going to avoid the pain in a joint caused by a particular movement. Muscles tighten to protect the limb, but as the disease progresses the joint is susceptible to more concussion and the muscles of the back start to take on a protective role.

The alteration of gait to alleviate pain is common to all vertebrates.

It is instinctive and not done with any conscious thought.

Just watch people walk down the street and see how they take short strides, limp, twist their bodies etc.

All of this has begun due to a trigger of pain avoidance.

It is the same for horses, but sometimes is not noticed until they are in obvious pain all of the time.

Just as we go to a therapist for sore muscles and back problems, we should do the same for our horses.

We just need to learn to read the signs first. Your horse will thank you for it.

Published: 29/10/2004