Chiropractic Techniques & Adjustments Flashcards
7 cards from real ECC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Chiropractic Techniques & Adjustments flashcards as text
Which of the following conditions is an absolute contraindication to performing a chiropractic adjustment on a horse?
Answer: Fracture or neoplasia affecting the vertebral column
Vertebral fracture or neoplasia are absolute contraindications because HVLA thrust could cause catastrophic cord injury or pathological fracture.
The 'recoil adjustment' technique is most appropriate for which region of the equine spine?
Answer: Upper cervical (atlas-axis)
The upper cervical region's sensitivity and proximity to the brainstem make the light, rapid recoil technique preferred over heavier thrusting methods.
When documenting an equine chiropractic adjustment, which notation system is most commonly used to record the segment and direction of listing?
Answer: Gonstead listing system (e.g., PRS, PLI)
The Gonstead listing system uses abbreviations such as PRS (posterior, right, superior) to precisely document the position and direction of vertebral subluxation.
In equine chiropractic, 'muscle guarding' over a restricted spinal segment most likely indicates:
Answer: A protective neurological response to underlying joint dysfunction
Muscle guarding is a reflex protective response where perivertebral muscles contract involuntarily to splint and protect a dysfunctional joint.
Which of the following best explains why speed (velocity) is more important than force (amplitude) in HVLA adjustments?
Answer: High velocity overcomes soft tissue resistance before protective muscular contraction can occur
HVLA thrusts delivered faster than the muscle spindle's reaction time bypass reflexive guarding, allowing the force to reach the joint before muscles can resist.
A horse presents with reduced lateral bending to the left in the mid-cervical region. Which adjustment listing would be most appropriate?
Answer: Adjust with a left lateral (LL) line of drive to gap the restricted facets
A left lateral line of drive gaps and mobilizes the restricted left facet joints, restoring the lost lateral flexion to that side.
Post-adjustment soreness in horses typically resolves within:
Answer: 24-48 hours
Mild post-adjustment soreness from periarticular tissue response typically resolves within 24-48 hours as the joint and surrounding structures adapt.