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Is one time chiropractor visit worth it?

6K views 30 replies 15 participants last post by  iridehorses 
#1 ·
So the chiropractor is coming out on march 12th and I am considering getting my horse seen. He started back to training 2 weeks ago, we're now working on dressage, I'm completely switching over, we usually ride hunt seat(only on the flat, i hate to jump), but the past year I havent seriously ridden, just putzd around. Of course right now it's all basics, but he is getting a work out thats for sure! He is more stiff to one side, his neck has been stiff, and he seems a little stiff in the hind somewhere, which I am putting him on a joint supplement per recommendation by my trainer, until I get the chance to talk to my vet about possible mild arthritis ( and if he does have it, it is very very mild as he is not lame or anything just slightly stiff and the past year doesn't like to hold his leg up as high, he will pull it away). So anyways, is it worth it to pay a chiropractor to come out even if its just once this year? I'm thinking it is but I want to know everyone elses opinions. Unfortunately, this guy charges depending on what the horse needs, not just one flat fee. So if he needs a bunch of adjustments it will probably be $300, but if it helps him, it will be worth it. Any advice appreciated!!
 
#2 ·
So chiropractors don't tend to be just a "one time" thing. If the chiropractor adjusts ANYTHING, it will eventually "go back" to how it was due to muscle memory and even possibly how he's being ridden. So chiropractic visits tend to be an ongoing thing.

It's really up to you, just like people, some people believe in them, and some don't. I tend to think they can be helpful as supplementary treatment for a hard working horse but I don't think they're a "cure all" like some people do.

So honestly the decision is up to you, if you think it might help, go ahead and let the chiro take a look, but realize if he does find something wrong, it will take more than one visit to fix it.
 
#3 ·
My chiro claims that if he has to come out gain soon(of course depending on the severity of the case and the amount of adjustment need) that there is another problem that is contributing to the misalignment.
And so far he has been right...the horses(not my personal horses, but others I was paid to ride) that needed a an adjustment again he had me haul to the vet(my vet of choice, no set up with a vet he works with) and there has been a deeper issue that wouldn't of been solved by chiropractic by itself.

So I would try the chiropractor and see what happens...
 
#4 · (Edited)
I believe in chiropractors...I am trying to find one in my area who I believe will do a good job on my horses. I had back problems as a kid and actually can adjust my own back and hips as well as any chiropractor. I can tell you that there is serious relief but I re-adjust myself weekly and I can feel when I need it.
 
#5 ·
Thank you so much for the replies everyone! The only reason I asked if it is worthwhile to do once is the closest reputable chiropractor here that isn't going to mess your horse up is over an hour away, and we have to have a certain number of people before he comes out, so they usually bring him around 1-2 times a year maximum. Also, I am moving back to my home state of FL at the end of the year, so not sure when I can get him looked at again. I think with these reviews I will get him looked at as it seems worth it. I had him done when i first got him but I was working so didn't get to watch, plus since I had just had him a month I couldn't tell a difference. I think now I will be able to notice a difference so I am going to at least give it a try!
 
#6 ·
Oh I would absolutely try it! I just had my mare adjusted for the first time yesterday and she LOVED it. You could tell she was sore is some spots and the chiropractor gave me a list of stretches and exercises to do daily with her to get her more flexible and able to use her body better. My mare wasn't terribly bad and had minor adjustments. Her withers were "out" from me mounting from the ground for years upon years. And her next is not flexible so she adjusted her there too.

I definitely say go for it. I know how good I feel after a chiropractor visit. :)
 
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#7 ·
I've never been to the chiropractor, maybe if I had been I would really realize how great it is. Im glad yours helped your horse so much claporte, I feel so much more confident, I hope mine shows me stretches/exercises, I definitely have to get him loosened up some!
 
#8 ·
My equine chiro always comes out twice, intial adjustment, massage. 2 weeks she is back to access & any needed adjustments, she will let you know if you have an underlying problem, she diagnosises lameness better than my vet & farrier combined, been using her for 20 years now.
 
#10 ·
This is kind of harsh and not very helpful. :/

As for me, I have never used one, but I am interested in using one. However, I am of the same mind that if something needs adjusted, there is probably an underlying issue. Not always, but usually. A mare at our barn is incredibly sore, and will continue to need work as long as her rider keeps using an ill fitting saddle. It would bring relief to your horse, but it will not fix the problem. Same as with people.
 
#12 · (Edited)
There is little evidence beyond anecdotal that an equine chiropractor does anything but separate owners from their money.
Understandable, and that is your prerogative. I don't need someone else to tell me if something is beneficial to me or my horse (barring medical issues). If it makes me feel better, and makes my horse feel better, it is worth it. Even if some people believe otherwise. My concern isn't with their opinions, but with my horse's health. If I believe something to be helpful that is in no way detrimental to my horse, I'm probably going to try it.

There are differing opinions on all things horse related. It goes on and on. Teeth floating, blanketing, feeds, massage, wraps, etc.

To the OP, you have to do what you are comfortable with. One visit isn't going to necessitate followup visits simply because you did the first one. It's at least worth trying to see if it is beneficial or not.

I guess I would rather be hopeful than cynical when it comes to alternative medicine. If that makes others believe I'm naive, that is fine with me. I am the one in charge of horse's health and well being, and I will do what I can to make sure they are healthy, happy and comfortable.
 
#15 ·
I've seen it help first hand as well on many horses, including quite a few of my own over the years. We had a reining mare when I was younger that needed chiro on a regular basis. You could always tell when she needed work as she'd start tipping her nose one way when working. After an adjustment she was good several months before needing another.
 
#16 ·
you cant have personal experience with a "lack of evidence". as is there isnt any scientific evidence to support this.
It's not just because "I" think.
The scientific community that believes in actual blind studies and the scientific method agrees with me.
Lots of people believe in the Physic friends network. I am sure we could line up a bunch of people that have anecdotal evidence to support it. Just like the above posters. Lots and lots of snake oil salesmen have been conning people since the dawn of time. I imagine many of the best even believed in their own products. The Placebo effect is a powerful thing.
I guarantee you one thing, that chiropractor comes out your horse will need an adjustment, it will also need a continueing adjustment over and over, accompanied by continuing payments.
I answered the OP's original question based on the fact that no credible scientific study has ever shown this to do any good.
 
#19 · (Edited)
The Placebo effect is a powerful thing.
Even if this is all it does, it is still a positive effect on my horse, and well worth the time.

I also wanted to point this out, Joe:

Education, certification and regulation

Pre-requisites
North American applicants must have graduated from an accredited veterinary school or CCE-accredited chiropractic school and hold current licenses from their respective provinces or states.[17] In Australia a first professional degree in chiropractic, osteopathic or veterinary medicine is required for admission into the Masters of Chiropractic Science program.[5]
Education
Most veterinary chiropractic programs are a minimum of 210 hours of additional training following the completion of veterinary or chiropractic school, and subsequent licensure. Practitioners will be able to complete an appropriate history, physical examination, communicate a diagnosis and plan of management, and provide care where indicated within their respective scopes of practice.[18] Though there is variation, common topics covered in veterinary chiropractic programs can include:
Anatomy
Basic and advanced Neurology
Rehabilitation Therapy
Complementary and alternative medicine modalities
Philosophy
Basic and advanced chiropractic manipulative techniques

Currently, the Animal Chiropractic Accreditation Commission (ACAC) is the defacto accrediting body for veterinary chiropractic. All accredited programs must meet ACAC's minimum requirement of 210 hours. A passing grade of 75 in both the written, theoretical and the clinical competency examination is required for certification. Continuing education requirements of the ACAC are 30 credits every 3 years for recertification.[4] Though few U.S. veterinary schools offer educational or research programs in complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAMV), in a survey, 61% of faculty believe that chiropractic should be included in their school's curriculum.[19]
To be a chiropractor, you have to have a veterinary degree before you can even get chiropractic degree. You also have to be re-certified every three years, and in order to do so you need to take another 30 credits of classes to stay up to date on the latest research.

You say there is no evidence proving it, there is only anecdotal evidence. Is there any evidence disproving it or proving it to be harmful? If a licensed chiropractor is working on my horse, they know what they are doing. Unlicensed chiropractors are another thing entirely, and fall under 'snake oil salesman'. Unfortunately, there are quite a few that claim to be licensed. They can have the pants sued off them.

I am under the assumption that if someone is going through all of that trouble to obtain that specific of a degree, they darn sure believe in their practice. Veterinary school is not cheap.

It's not something you feel you need to spend money on, and that's fine. I'm not trying to convince you otherwise, nor would I ever be able to. However, as I respect your opinions and decisions, it would be the kind thing to do to offer your own point of view a little less viciously and with a little more to back it up to give it a little more credibility. I think if someone is asking for differing life experiences, it is a little more helpful than "of course they are going to say they need to keep coming back, once they have a mark they are going to keep hitting you up."

If it is something you feel this strongly on, and feel the need to warn others away from it, please present the information that you speak of so that you can enlighten the rest of us.
 
#17 ·
Joe,

The chiro who works on the horses at the barn will straight up tell you if she doesn't need to see the horse again.

We got out one horse for a visit a few weeks ago and when she was done she said, "He's fine. I won't need to see him again."

Not all chiros are the same.
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#22 · (Edited)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18089466

A clinical study.

Another study: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/...ionid=B60E255F18D0E197B8A757053E3E1DF0.d02t04

An article: http://www.chiroaccess.com/Articles/Animals-and-Chiropractic.aspx?id=0000132 (With examples of more studies)

During the last decade the quantity and quality of the research supporting the value of chiropractic care for animals has improved. This is an area that needs much more research but there are a few studies that provide at least low level of evidence supporting chiropractic effectiveness in the management of painful conditions that affect animals (e.g. horses with low back pain). There are also studies supporting the use of chiropractic care to improve animal biomechanics. Owners involved in horse racing are particularly interested in optimizing animal performance. Several quality programs are now available to educate chiropractic and veterinary professionals so that they can work together to improve animal care.
More information (Including AMVA guidelines for Veterinary Chiropractic) http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=720

An article from the International Veterinary Information Service: http://www.ivis.org/proceedings/aaep/1997/Haussler.pdf

Anecdotal evidence and clinical experience suggest that chiropractic is an effective adjunctive
modality for the diagnosis and conservative treatment of select musculoskeletal-related disorders in
horses. Because of its potential misuse, chiropractic evaluation and treatment should be provided
only by specially trained individuals
Surely a couple of these are up to snuff?
 
#23 ·
the second study cited was so laughable I didnt bother clicking on the rest. Key author was a high school student.,
And the scientific tests? The took 38 healthy horses with no symptoms, used pseudo science guidelines, and decided that the horses with nothing wrong with them still had nothing wrong with them.
SO yep that study showed that basically it does nothing, doesnt seem to be any harm in it which is why no one has really gotten involved in stopping it.
Sorta like many of the vitamins and supplements. As long as it isnt hurting anything not gonna attract any gov regulators or public condemnation.
Piling on me isnt gonna change anything.
Horse massage spinal manipulations are not a recognized treatment for anything. All the indignation in the world isnt gonna change that.
To each their own, Ive told the OP what I think. Not much else to be gained with further discussion.
 
#27 ·
Horse massage spinal manipulations are not a recognized treatment for anything.
While I have not had any chiro work done on any of my horses in years, I have had massage done today and the mare definitely has muscle injuries most likely from a slip and fall in the pasture. I had the person walk my mare to and away to see how she moved before the massage. After the massage we did the same, she walked her to and away. There was a big difference in the way she walked. Her hind left leg was being swung out about 3 inches from where she should be putting it.After the treatment she was walking within about 1/2 inch of where she should be. Yes, she will have to come back out more to work on the mare BUT the person is also teaching me what I can do to her in order to keep her stiff sore muscles relaxed so I won't have to make her come back out over and over and continue to pay her. Oh, and the whole $25 I paid for it was extremely detrimental to my wallet...
So while you claim they are not a recognized treatment for "anything", I have to say yes they are beneficial to the horse. Without personal experience I would be able to find things on the internet all day against these types of procedures being done and believe everything they say. They are not a cure all, but can be a beneficial part in a treatment program for injuries, whether it be the equine masseuse or the equine chiropractor.
 
#24 ·
Horse massage spinal manipulations are not a recognized treatment for anything.
Certain people clearly have recognitional issues. (Although, I suppose actually reading would be beneficial to this issue.) "Anything" is also a very broad word.

All the indignation in the world isnt going to change that.
I see no examples of indignation on this thread. I do, however, see exasperation.

To each their own, I've told the OP what I think. Not much else to be gained with further discussion.
I certainly agree with this.

I guess I'm just confused by your personal degree of condemnation based purely on a lack of evidence, especially when advising others.
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#26 ·
I have use a combination of Chiro/bioscan and accupunture for about 13-14 years now. I have found that the combination works best with the horses. Most are one time things but when I am working the horses I have the person I use out fairly regularly to keep up with it. I also have Bioscan pads that really really help to keep her away. She is great but the less I have to use her the more money I keep for other things.
 
#30 ·
Wow I had a lot to catch up on :P

I believe in chiro work, I just asked because if I do it this one time, this dr will not be able to come out for a while, so I wanted to make sure it would be worth it. I have seen a few times, and mostly heard stories, of how much chiro worked has helped their horses. My best friend whos horse had a lot of soreness problems, including her back, had 2 chiros come out to the barn. They soon realized the 1st one was a quack and he actually hurt the horse. Then this dr that Im speaking about came out and helped the horse so much, to where she was able to get back on her again. I think I am going to do it and also post updates on the difference. Everyone at my barn seems to be for it and says how it's helped their horse so I think it will be worth it. The barn manager herself noticed a HUGE difference in a trail horse they have, when bringing the saddle near his back he would get really ornery. Now he doesn't have that problem at all after chiropractic work. I have spoken to 20-30 people on chiropractors, and so far only 1 has said they don't believe in it. At least I have gotten a lot of positive reviews so I feel confident about doing it, thanks everyone!
 
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