When used by chiropractors, the term subluxation is used to describe a very specific condition, or disease, of the spinal column in which one or more of the joints are not moving properly. When the horse's bones are "stuck", so to speak, this condition causes a nerve to be "pinched" or compromised. Even if only one of the many joints of the spine is "stuck", the entire spinal column will lose flexibility, and the horse will become stiff, resistant, and begin to show signs of poor performance and/or health.

Keep in mind that nerves branch off the spinal cord and travel through these “stuck” areas. Misaligned and "stuck" vertebral joints can affect the nerves as they exit. These nerves are the communication lines between the brain and the rest of the body, carrying impulses both to and from all of the structures in your horse, down to every last cell. When a horse has a subluxation, it affects those lines in a detrimental way.

Every movement, from simple swishing of the tail to the piaffe in dressage, requires a constant synchronization of many muscles, some contracting, some relaxing. The communication lines that allow this precision motion are the nerves. If these are “pinched”, incoordination will result. Major, long-term interference can cause lameness/laminitis, while minor interference may cause only minor, almost imperceptible changes. More importantly, lack of coordination in these movements can cause missteps, or improper gaits, that can lead to damage in the remaining healthy joints such as stifles, knees, or elbows. In addition, "pinched" nerves are painful, no matter how slight. Pain will also prohibit your horse from working to his maximum potential.

Chiropractic evaluates the entire spinal column looking for vertebrae that are not moving well. When these areas are identified, they can be adjusted with very specific rapid thrusts to improve the motion at that particular location.

A veterinarian trained in animal chiropractic should make final diagnosis of subluxations. Once identified, the doctor will attempt a correction of the subluxated or "stuck" vertebra. This correction is called an adjustment. An adjustment is performed onto a vertebra in a very specific direction (line of correction) that will restore movement to a fixated joint. Improper or forced adjustment can be harmful to your horse. Working with a properly trained bodyworker with the accountability that comes with credentials (i.e. a veterinarian certified in animal chiropractic) is important!

Chiropractic is very specific, and adjustments are made on each vertebra directly. Jerking on legs or tails is not an adjustment. A proper examination and evaluation by the doctor is necessary to determine what needs to be adjusted, and more importantly, what not to adjust. While delivering an adjustment the doctor uses a controlled force. Large horses don't necessarily need more force than very small ones. Each joint of the spine is moveable, and if the correct angle is used and the patient is compliant, the adjustment is relatively easy using low force.

While an animal chiropractor will pay particular attention to the spine, they may also adjust the joints of the jaw, legs, pelvis, or skull.