## Overview Cervicothoracic stiffness is reduced mobility at the base of the neck where it joins the thorax. Horses may resist lowering the head, have difficulty with lateral bend at that level, or show compensatory posture. Causes overlap with those of cervicothoracic pain. ## Causes Joint restriction, muscle hypertonicity, or pain inhibition. ## Diagnosis Motion palpation and observation of head carriage and bend. ## Treatment Mobilization, stretching, anti-inflammatories, and treatment of any underlying joint disease. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good in most musculoskeletal cases. ## Prevention Regular mobility exercises that encourage lowering and lateral flexion of the base of the neck.
resistance to lowering the head; reduced lateral bend at the base of the neck; compensatory high head carriage
## Overview Cervicothoracic stiffness is reduced mobility at the base of the neck where it joins the thorax. Horses may resist lowering the head, have difficulty with lateral bend at that level, or show compensatory posture. Causes overlap with those of cervicothoracic pain. ## Causes Joint restriction, muscle hypertonicity, or pain inhibition. ## Diagnosis Motion palpation and observation of head carriage and bend. ## Treatment Mobilization, stretching, anti-inflammatories, and treatment of any underlying joint disease. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good in most musculoskeletal cases. ## Prevention Regular mobility exercises that encourage lowering and lateral flexion of the base of the neck.
resistance to lowering the head; reduced lateral bend at the base of the neck; compensatory high head carriage