'Hunter's Bump' in Horses - Pat Holl Animal Chiropractor Equine Chiropractor Canine Chiropractor Billings Montana

Named after the sport which instigates the condition, “hunter’s bump”, also know as ‘jumper’s bump’ is a painful pelvic condition in your horse that may cause gait abnormalities and can affect performance. It most often occurs in jumping horses, hunters, and steeplechasers. A ‘Hunter’s Bump’ is a protrusion of the tuber sacrale. This is the area of the hip that will appear elevated along the lower part of your horse’s back, just above the croup. Technically, this is a subluxation of the sacroiliac joint, which may involve injury to the ligaments securing the pelvis and the spine. Once this happens, the ilium (one side of the pelvis) can shift out of place, resulting in the distinguishing ‘bump’. This uneven hip is sometimes referred to as a ‘dropped’ hip

This injury is commonly the result of previous and repetitive trauma to the sacroiliac joint, rather than a single precipitating incident, though it is usually one event that pushes it over the edge. Best viewed from behind during gait, your horse will tend to be very stiff in the hindquarters, ‘unload’ weight on the affected side, display a shortened stride on the affected hind limb, and may resist movement in general. Symptoms may also manifest in areas far from the affected area. Your horse may display altered neck movements, and oppose turning in one direction or another. There may be evidence of pain at the poll, as well as resistance to take the bit, or even wear a halter.

When diagnosed early, treatment for a ‘hunter’s bump’ can be highly effective. Stall-rest for several weeks is indicated to allow time for the ligaments to heal and scarring to occur to provide stability. Anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants are often prescribed by your veterinarian to reduce spasm and manage inflammatory processes.  Chiropractic management can help re-align the pelvis and relieve neurologic interference. Additionally, integrative treatments including acupuncture and massage can be highly effective in controlling pain and supporting the healing process.

Recovery will depend on accurate diagnosis, degree of injury and speed and quality of treatment. Remember the importance of proper conditioning, weight management and stable footing. Above all, become familiar with your horse. Learn their behaviors, and observe when they’re communicating that something’s wrong. If you suspect something is amiss, don’t delay. Help is available. Have a comment? Join the conversation!

'Get Moving' Patricia Holl Chiropractor Billings Montana Equine Canine Chiropractor Billings Montana

Movement is fundamental, and a necessary aspect of life. When we move our bodies, we affect everything, from circulation to digestion to metabolism. Through movement, our bodies regulate hormone activity, detoxify, and respire. Daily movement promotes chemical changes in the body and fires up neural pathways, which stimulate the body’s healing capacity and boost immunity to ward off disease.

When joints move, muscles expand and contract. The systems in our bodies rely on this movement to function. For example, the lymphatic system relies on the contraction and expansion of our skeletal muscle, so it can circulate and pump toxins out of our bodies.

Movement disciplines have been prevalent in eastern societies for thousands of years, and practices such as yoga and t’ai chi have gradually permeated into the western world. What was once taught principally for spiritual customs has evolved into healing instruction and therapy. Movement is more than just exercise or physical exertion, and though it requires action, it does not necessarily require strenuous effort.

Stretching is a form of movement which can improve the body’s defenses by making it more adaptable to stress. Maintaining good posture is another form of movement. When we are standing or walking, the processes throughout our bodies are hard at work. And while the musculoskeletal system is the most observable recipient of healthy posture, the additional benefits of appropriate posture can impact lung functioning, heart health and even energy levels.

Society no longer requires excessive movement for everyday tasks and activities. As a result, our very design is changing. It has become normal to expect that when we reach a certain age we will experience conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Even chronic pain has become something to “expect” as we age, not something we can avoid and prevent.

Our systems were built on movement and motion. We move to dress ourselves, to eat, and to work. However today’s culture promotes sedentary lifestyles. Methods of communication including computers, televisions and cell phones encourage a lack of physical movement. Activities such as cutting grass, raking leaves and shoveling snow have been replaced with electric lawn equipment and snow blowers. Our bodies are becoming inert. Consequently, the health of our bone and tissue declines, circulation becomes sluggish, systems break down, and overall wellness deteriorates.

So it’s time to move again. Take a walk. Use the stairs. Ride your bike to work. Ask yourself if change is needed, and if so, get going. Discover what moves you! Have a comment? Join the conversation!