🐴 Understanding Neck Pain in Horses: Vet Treatment & Rehab in 2025 🧠🦴

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Neck pain in horses is more common than previously recognized—particularly in older or performance horses. While obvious cases may be easy to identify, subtle signs like forelimb lameness or gait inconsistencies can make diagnosis tricky. In this comprehensive guide for 2025, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, diagnostics, and treatments for equine neck pain. 🧠🐎

🔍 Why Neck Pain Is Often Missed

Neck pain isn’t usually the first thing considered when a horse’s performance declines or lameness develops. But the cervical spine plays a crucial role in movement, balance, and nerve signaling. 🤖

Horses may exhibit:

• 📉 Subtle stiffness in movement
• 🚫 Resistance to bending or lateral flexion
• ⚠️ Misdiagnosed front limb lameness
• 🤕 Wobbliness or ataxia in the hind limbs

The connection? The spinal cord and nerve roots within the neck transmit signals to the limbs. If inflamed or compressed, they may cause symptoms elsewhere. 🧬🔌

🧠 Common Causes of Equine Neck Pain

According to modern veterinary research, neck pain may originate from:

• 🦴 Cervical facet joint arthritis
• 🔗 Tendon or ligament strain
• 🩻 Myofascial (muscle fascia) injuries
• ⚡ Nerve root inflammation or compression

These conditions can exist alone or in combination, making treatment more complex. Horses may also develop muscle atrophy, tightness, or instability as a secondary issue. 🧩

🧪 Diagnosis: More Than Just X-Rays

Diagnosing neck pain involves several layers:

• 👁️ Observation of posture and head carriage
• 🔍 Palpation of cervical spine for sensitivity
• 🧪 Neurological exams for proprioception
• 📸 Radiographs or ultrasound to assess joint degeneration
• 🧲 Advanced imaging like CT or MRI (when available)

Dr Duncan Houston also emphasizes the importance of nerve blocks and diagnostic analgesia to isolate pain origins. 💉

📉 Performance Red Flags to Watch For

Your horse may have neck pain if you notice:

• 🔁 Difficulty with lateral bending or flexion
• 🚶 Inconsistent movement or reluctance to go forward
• 🦵 Intermittent or unresolvable forelimb lameness
• ❗ A tendency to rotate the head and neck early during turns
• 🐌 Loss of engagement, impulsion, or balance

It’s often mistaken for behavioral or training problems—but the root cause may be pain and muscle dysfunction. 😞

💉 Treatment Options in 2025

Treatment must be multifaceted. The main goals: relieve pain, restore mobility, and reestablish muscular control. Options include:

• 💊 Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• 💉 Injections into cervical facet joints
• 🧲 Shockwave or laser therapy
• 🌿 Chiropractic or acupuncture support

Neck injections are commonly used in cases of cervical arthritis, targeting inflammation and helping restore range of motion. ⚖️

🏋️ Rehabilitation and Exercise Therapy

Once pain is reduced, rehabilitation becomes the focus. Neck strength and coordination are key to long-term soundness. 🧠💪

Key rehab methods:

• 🧘 Stretching – Encouraging lateral flexion and poll mobility
• 🦴 Core strengthening – Using groundwork, hill work, and balance pads
• 🎯 In-hand work – Controlled exercises to re-educate posture
• 🧲 Therapeutic modalities – Magnetic and laser support

Consistent rehab helps reduce muscle atrophy and restore neuromuscular control. 🧩

🧠 Neurological Neck Issues

In some cases, neck pain may be due to spinal cord compression or cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy (CVSM). These cases may present with:

• ⚠️ Hind limb weakness or ataxia
• 🌀 Wobbliness when turning
• ❌ Difficulty coordinating limb placement

These conditions require advanced imaging and strict management. Surgery may be needed in severe cases. 🚨

📲 Ask A Vet for Expert Guidance

If you suspect neck pain—or if your horse has chronic forelimb lameness that doesn’t resolve—don’t guess. Visit AskAVet.com or use the Ask A Vet App for expert advice and second opinions. 🧠📱

Dr Duncan Houston and the Ask A Vet team can evaluate videos, diagnostics, and treatment options—giving you clarity and confidence. 🐎💬

🏁 Final Thoughts

Neck pain in horses is no longer a mystery. In 2025, thanks to better diagnostics, rehabilitation tools, and targeted therapies, horses suffering from neck-related lameness or poor performance have a solid path to recovery. 🩺🧠

Remember, not all resistance or training issues are behavioral—sometimes, it’s the neck. The sooner we address it, the better the outcome. 🐴❤️

Need help with neck pain or poor performance? Visit AskAVet.com for fast, expert answers 🐎📲