04/14/2024
A few signs of poll/head/upper neck issues.
BEHAVIORAL SIGNS:
• Anxious
• Reduced attention span
• Unhappy about head being touched
• Bit/Bridle issues
• Biting
• Difficulty turning or bending through body
• Higher, relatively fixed head carriage
• Braced in head and neck, not soft/relaxed
• Unable to correctly accept contact
• Breaks behind the poll
• Bucking, napping, tail swishing
• Very sensitive to everything
• Higher risk of gastric ulcers
• Easily upset belly
PHYSICAL SIGNS CAN INCLUDE:
• Limited motion where the head meets the neck
• Tight muscles and fascia in the poll, and forehead, often also in the bracciocephalic and sternocephalic
• Some but definitely not all horses may also have edema around ears/TMJ/jawline/in front of C1 wing
• Some but definitely not all horses may also weepy eyes or restricted eye movement
HOW CAN IT HAPPEN?
Often from traumas such as:
• A pull back when tied up
• Rearing and hitting a low ceiling
• Repetitive strains from the nose getting pulled in beyond the vertical when riding or strong pulling for turns, to rate (race horses)
• Poor dentistry
• Getting cast
• A fall
• A kick
• Crib collar
• Poor fitting bridle
• Rough handling
• Etc.
The second cervical vertebra (axis), is considered one of the most important of all the neck’s bony structures partly due to its unique dural membrane attachment and also because of the powerful myofascial structures anchoring it from above and below. Deep suboccipital muscles that bind C2 to the occiput and atlas work in harmony with other muscles to balance the head on the neck.
Several of the nerves that exit the upper cervical complex travel back over the top of the head to the forehead. When the muscles become irritated from physical strain, or emotional stressors, they tighten… sometimes squashing the nerves that that run through the them.
In humans, tension in the suboccipitals may contribute: Headaches, Stiff neck, TMJ Syndrome, Sinusitis, Eye strain, Toothache. It seems reasonable to consider horses may also experience similar problems.
Whatever the cause, the important thing is that the horse needs help now. Areas that are mobility restricted are uncomfortable. Horses with poll and upper neck soreness tend also have headaches, possibly similar to what you might consider a tension headache. Now consider how a constant headache and painful neck tension might lead to the issues mentioned above.
Horses use their neck to balance their body. The mobility of the entire body is affected by poll motion. Muscles, ligaments and tendons attach to the spine via connective tissue (fascia). If the neck is restricted for any reason, it will cause problems in rideability, balance, quality of movement and even safety - the mare in the pictures has been known to stumble during her speed events, most likely due to the rider pulling for the turns.
Since the head and upper neck are tight and restricted, the central nervous system becomes upset too. This leads to an extra-sensitive horse, one that's more likely to get ulcers, can be picky with feed, quickly gets an upset tummy, and can even get hormonal quickly.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
The first thing to do is have an experienced vet examine the horse and clear it for bodywork. An equine dentist should also be consulted. Some horses do not tolerate chiropractic work but do very well with massage with myofascial therapy. Some horses will do best with a combination of adjustments and soft tissue work.
From there we try to restore as much range of motion and comfort in movement as possible. It can take several sessions and for some horses ongoing maintenance is strongly recommended. Daily management practices should also be reviewed to ensure that they won’t negatively affect the area of concern.
