Narrowing of the lumbosacral spinal cord (lumbosacral stenosis) can be caused by subluxation of S1 relatively to L7 (lumbosacral instability), Hansen Type 2 intervertebral disc herniation, and proliferation and hypertrophy of the surrounding structures. This causes compression of the cauda equina or nerve roots, and local inflammation. The result is pain, and in severe cases, neurological deficits. Typical symptoms are: difficulty rising, reluctance to jump and lameness of one or both pelvic limbs. Lumbosacral stenosis is common in large, middle-aged dog breeds, but can occur in all dogs and cats. Pain is the main symptom and long-term or lifelong use of analgesic medication is often necessary.
From AVOM viewpoint there is an incongruity between the sacrum and L7, which causes lumbosacral instability and stenosis. Lumbosacral instability is very effectively treated by correction of this subluxation by AVOM. The result of the realignment is decompression of the cauda equine and prevention of the degenerative consequences of lumbosacral instability.