Common causes of Vertebral Subluxation complexes

Every day most animals are exposed to situations which can cause damage to their spine. The following examples could cause VSCs (subluxations) - for mostly all of these pictures showing horses you could imagine the same causes for VSC´s in small animals too:

	Trauma: Caused by falls, trips, slips or being cast in the stable.
Composition: Horses with long backs are inclined increased to problems.
	Transportation: Long transportation times, accidents, poor shock absorption in the trailer and unsympathetic driving can cause damage.
Birthing difficulties: Difficult births where the foal is forcibly extracted can cause problems in both the mare and the foal.
	Lack of movement: Lack of space in which to move does not give the horse enough opportunity to ease tension by bucking or rolling.
Performance: Every event strains the spine in a different, specific way.
	Rider: Problems with the rider’s seat (e.g. a crooked seat) can lead to back problems in the horse.
Saddle: Poorly fitting saddles are one of the most frequent causes of back problems.
	Age: As age increases the effects of previous small and/or large traumas to the spine become more apparent.
Shoes: Poor hoof care and incorrect shoeing interfere with the horse’s movement resulting in subluxations of the spine.