Animals need chiropractic for the same reason that humans do. They suffer pain, soreness, stiffness and poor mobility, just like we do. Animals and humans are both vertebrates, which means that they have spines and therefore all of the potential problems or injuries that come along with spines. Animals are prone to experience twists, falls, and injuries, suffering the same consequences as us. One main difference is they can't talk, complain, or use their pain as an excuse to avoid responsibilities or work.

The spine not only acts as a framework for which the rest of the body connects to, it covers and protects the nervous system via the spinal cord as an extension of the brain. These nerves need to leave the bony protection of the spine in order to reach the joints, muscles, organs and skin of the entire body. The point where the nerves leave the spine is where they are most vulnerable. Abnormal movement of the spinal vertebrae can squeeze, bruise, crush, or irritate spinal nerves causing pain, numbness, tingling as well as potential paralysis or weakness of the area of the body that that nerve supplies. This happens to animals as well as humans.

Humans have problems with their spines not only from too much, ill-timed or inappropriate activity, but also from too little. Sedentary lives are often lives lived in pain both for humans as well as animals. Animals, especially dogs and horses, are usually not sedentary, not by choice anyway. They trip, fall and stumble just as we humans do and sometimes the demands of competition, racing and showing are more than they can take.

Injury is common in our four legged friends in the house as well. One example is when you decide to remodel the house and put in a tile or hardwood floor where it used to be carpeted. Where our dogs have been used to turning on a dime when on carpet, suddenly as they run down the hallway they can't stop, let alone turn! You notice the next day, they are having a hard time coming to breakfast, won't play fetch, can't jump into the car and doesn't even want to attempt the stairs.

I am also aware of dogs whose vets were offering only euthanasia due to non-ambulatory states, when in reality the problem was acute sciatica(nerve irritation traveling down a limb often coming from lack of proper motion in the spine and pelvis). Only forward thinking and determinted owners who took a chance on the world of natural health saved these dogs from death and their families from the pain of losing their pets.

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So, as you can see animals can benefit from treatments by a qualified animal chiropractor. Just as chiropractic has been proven to be exceedingly safe and highly beneficial for humans, it is just a matter of time before it is more widely recognized as an art and science that can promote good health in pets and animals as well. What is even more fun with animals is that they listed to their body after a chiropractic treatment.  Whereas a human goes right back to work or goes to do a stressful exercise regimen at the gym, an animal will laze around, nap and HEAL!!  There is something for all of us to learn from our beloved pets!

I look forward to bringing health to your animal and home through Animal Chiropractic in Saint Cloud and all surrounding areas!

Dr. Melissa Loidolt

Back On Track Chiropracitc Center

1246 32nd Ave North

Saint Cloud, Mn 56303