The Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC)
The vertebral subluxation complex or VSC is the term Chiropractors use to describe a functional misalignment of a vertebra or the limited mobility of its facet joint.
Where subluxations are present the animal will lose normal flexibility resulting in stiffness, muscular tension and often pain. This in turn will result in a reduction in that animals performance.
It can also lead to an alteration in the spinal nerve function at that level, potentially interfering with the relay of information within the central nervous system (similar to a crossed line on an old fashioned telephone) hence affecting the ability for the central nervous system to synchronise muscular contraction. This in turn leads to a deterioration in co-ordination.
Therefore, any movement from a turn of the head to a twitch of a tail can be affected by both the mechanical and neurological effects of a spinal subluxation. Minor subluxations may only cause small disturbances but in a performance horse for example, even this could result in a misstep from a lack of co-ordination which could in turn cause injury to a tendon, joint or ligament in the limbs.
More serious subluxations can lead to an animal changing its posture to compensate for a restricted facet joint to avoid pain. This however can result in extra strain in other parts of the spine and extremities causing secondary conditions and compounding the overall problem.
Show jumpers for example with subluxations in the thoracic (mid back) and lumbar (lower back) regions have difficulty rounding there back and often land in cross canter, whilst dressage horses with lumbar restrictions have difficulty bending correctly and executing lateral movements.
VSC's can be caused by everyday events (repetitive micro trauma) or specific trauma (macro trauma). Examples of micro trauma could include poor equine hoof or shoe care, prolonged or poor transportation, lack of exercise or space, incorrect fitting or use of reins or leashes, poor saddle fit and incorrect rider position in horses, birthing difficulties, age and specific eventing or repetitive actions.
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