New Chiropractic Research on Dogs with Tremors
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Research has shown not only that the developing brain relies on normal spinal structural integrity, balance and joint movement, but that complex neurochemical communication and pathways involved in helping animals adapt to their environment are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways.
“It makes perfect sense when you think about it” stated Dr. McCoy. “The brain constantly needs and wants to know where our body is in space and what is going on relative to all functions of the body. If there is obstruction to the neurological communication between the spine and the brain all sorts of malfunctions can occur and this can lead to symptoms such as tremors and other neurological disorders.”
Researchers studying the connection between chiropractic, nerve obstruction and neurological disorders believe that these types of functional disorders can be caused by even slight misalignments of the bones in the spine.
“There are very important functional relationships between the spine and the brain that if disturbed can result in a host of problems with how the body functions whether it’s a human or a dog” remarked McCoy. He added “If there is abnormal position or movement of the spinal vertebra this can lead to nerve obstruction. It is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxation, that chiropractors correct.”
The patient reported on in this study was a three week old male Great Dane canine with complaints of tremors, shaking, and weakness in his hind legs. He was the first born of the litter and was birthed in a breech position. Post-delivery, the owner recalled that his rear paws were blue and cold but warmed and became pink shortly after the owner put a blanket under them.
The dog was examined which revealed structural shifts of the upper neck, mid back and pelvis. Structural shifts in the spine can develop and this can lead to obstruction of the nerves. It is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.
Following chiropractic care to correct the subluxations the Great Dane experienced immediate relief that led to resolution of the symptoms.
These results suggest a possible link between neurological disorders like tremors and spinal subluxations in canines. Correcting the subluxations through the use of specific chiropractic adjustments appears to have led to resolution of the tremors. The authors called for further research in this area.
Contact Information:
Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research
http://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com
