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  Discussion on Pinched nerve?
Author Message
Member:
Gwen

Posted on Tuesday, Jan 4, 2005 - 8:36 pm:

Dr. O, I was just wondering if it is possible for you to explain the difference in terms of prognosis and treatment (in general) between a pinched nerve by the spinal column being out of alignment and tightened muscles. Thanks. -Gwen
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Jan 5, 2005 - 8:46 am:

Hello Gwen,
I assume we are talking about back pain in adult horses. Let me know if not.

Pinched nerves due to vertebral missalignment as a cause of lower back pain is not a diagnosis that can be made accurately from exam or any of the diagnostic techniques we currently have for horses. The incidence of this condition is unknown and in necropsy reviews of horses with back pain is not described. Common causes of back pain include:
  • Spinal ligament pathology (frequently the supraspinous ligament)
  • Spinal muscle pathology (frequently the longissimus dorsi muscles)
  • Spinal joint pathology or instability (frequently sacroiliac and intravertebral facets)
  • Spinal bone pathology (impinging dorsal spinous processes)
We have a whole article on this subject at, Equine Diseases » Lameness » Diseases of the Spine, Back & Pelvis » Lower Back Pain in Horses.
DrO
Member:
Gwen

Posted on Thursday, Jan 13, 2005 - 7:59 pm:

Dr. O, I am sorry to be a pest, but I am not sure that the article clarified too much for me. As you may know my horse has quite a history of lameness. Diagnoses from DJD to possibly a wobblers type of thing have been proposed. Well having had a friend of mine just peek at him, it has become quite evident that his problems are directly related to some muscle tension and resulting pain. In my opinion, this seems to be good news. However, the tension is scattered throughout his body. As I am aware, horses' body parts are all intertwined and quite related to each other during movement. My question is what kind of information can I expect to find on something like this? I have searched this site and for whatever reason, am coming up empty. I was also hoping to check out some anatomy pictures within the site. Thanks so much!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Jan 13, 2005 - 9:14 pm:

What do you believe to be the cause of the muscle tension?
DrO
Member:
Gwen

Posted on Friday, Jan 14, 2005 - 5:10 am:

He was shod with incorrect angles and shallow soles for quite some time. Also, I think my riding had something to do with it. He had some tendencies to lean on one side, and I didn't respond appropriately. Ultimately, he is very stiff in his neck and somewhat in his hindend.

Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Jan 14, 2005 - 6:25 am:

I have not seen incorrect shoeing and shallow soles as a cause of neck and hindend muscle tension: though it can cause bruising or tendinitis, but you will find information on correct angles at Care for Horses » Hoof Care » Trimming and Preparing the Feet for Shoes. We don't have an article on horses leaning to one side, and am not sure why your horse would do this to the point of becoming sore(?).

If you think you have the causes of the tension are corrected, the tension will in time correct itself. If there is lingering muscle soreness that you would like to address or try and speed up the healing it should respond to the suggestions in the General Treatment Options section of the article referenced above.
DrO
Member:
Gwen

Posted on Friday, Jan 14, 2005 - 7:00 am:

I will check out that article. The way someone described the posibility of stiffness from these shoeing problems is that he began bracing himself to sort of protect his body from the pain of the foot stress. I don't know if that is contrived, but it seemed to make sense! He does respond to light touch and Linda Tellington type massage, but I just wondered if the tight muscles can cause a pinched nerve and therefore somehow affect his neurological system... I have no idea!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Jan 14, 2005 - 8:00 am:

No, tight muscles do not cause pinched nerves. Pinched nerves occur from being trapped between two vertebrae as they exit the spinal cord or peripherally, nerves occasionally get caught up in vascular bundles as in some cases of Bell's Palsy in humans.
DrO
Member:
Vaeqres

Posted on Friday, Jan 14, 2005 - 12:00 pm:

Hi Gwen, There is a strong link between mineral deficiencies and body soreness, and this would be an easy avenue for you to pursue to help your horse. We had one young race horse brought to us that was getting weekly injections for his hocks (I don't think I should mention the brand name); was running next to last in every race (cheap claiming races, why they bothered, I'll never know); and if you touched him anywhere on his back, he sank right to the ground like a puppy doing its business. We convinced the trainer to give the horse 30 days off, switch to Race Horse Oats (to clean the lactic acid out of his system) and add an outstanding vitamin/mineral supplement to his diet.
The owner said it was like watching the incredible hulk morph before his eyes: he had never seen anything like it in his life, the changes in muscling and substance happened so fast in this horse. Anyway, they decided to enter him in a STAKES race just before Thanksgiving. Guess who bought the turkey? He actually ran second to a ringer brought in from NY, but the money was good.
If you are doing Tellington-Jones, that's great! It will keep you in close touch (literally) with your horse's body. I'm sure that you have been careful to check your saddle for fit and comfort. Tally Ho, Andrea
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