I get asked frequently, “How do you get a horse to lie on the chiropractic table to adjust them?” Sometimes the question is meant to be funny. I have a very quick wit about me, so my answer is equally fun and funny. Other times the question is asked in all seriousness. Now, I almost feel sad because I realize that people in general have not been properly educated as to why they, their family members, and even their animals need to see a chiropractor.
I try to provide an analogy as what circumstances we ALL need to be under chiropractic care – PAIN, LIMITATIONS OF MECHANICAL BODY FUNCTION, CAR ACCIDENT, ETC. I quickly interject that these are cases of needing to see your chiropractor over and above the standard reasons for being in our care.
It is when I explain that slipping, falling, playing, riding the rides at an amusement park, stress (good and bad), the foods we eat and drink, the supplements or medications (prescribed or over the counter), AND the environment in which we live are also common daily events that dictate that we need to be in chiropractic care, that people are surprised to hear.
The cases that are frustrating are when I explain to performance animal owners that due to the expectations during training and event performance, it is even more important to have your animal chiropractically examined to ensure proper neurological and mechanical function.
Too often I continue to see and hear of people who ‘don’t believe in chiropractic’. My position is that ignorance is sometimes the fault of those of us (namely chiropractors) who should have and need to frequently educate the people. The real shame is the people who are arrogantly ignorant, meaning they refuse to become educated and open minded on a subject. There is much in the way of research and documentation available to ‘prove’ the efficacy of chiropractic for all species.
We have an obligation to provide pre-emptive as well as reactive care to our animals just as we do for ourselves. With all that chiropractic addresses for someone, it is a great complement in our health care.
Chiropractic performed by a doctor of chiropractic (DC) is an art, science and philosophy that addresses the whole body.
To find a National Board certified Animal Chiropractor near you go to www.animalchiropractic.org