Does your horse have a Headache? Cranial Shears Explained

I challenge you to take a look…at your horse’s face. Do you see any asymmetries??? If so, don’t panic. However, your horse needs help and here’s why.
This picture shows a 4 year old BLM mustang with a left side cranial asymmetry, also known as a Cranial Shear. While working with her, it was noted that the dysfunction in the cranial bones had a definite left side pattern. Her sphenoid was extremely stuck on the left side with very little movement as well as her left temporal bone. This imbalance in her head directly influences the proper function of her entire body all the way back to the sacrum and hocks. She is just beginning her journey to become a riding partner, and I was very happy to be part of her wellness team to set her up for a long and happy career.

In her case, there was no known traumatic event, but it is certain her being captured from the wild would have included inherent trauma. She also had reportedly pulled back a couple times while tied.

What causes asymmetry in cranial bones?
A myriad of events can lead to a shift in cranial bones. Direct physical trauma, imbalances in the teeth/hooves, imbalances in other parts of the body, environmental and chemical exposure, emotional trauma.

How can asymmetry effect your horse?
Asymmetry in cranial bones can create excessive pressure in the head (headache), disrupt communication in the nervous system, cause lameness, reactivity in the head, spookiness, entrap nerves that can cause head shaking syndrome, and contribute to endocrine and metabolic dysfunction.
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Take heart, the cranial bones are NOT fused, and we can rebalance them to restore balance and proper function in your horse’s body. In the picture below, you can see the lines of what are called sutures. I like to refer to these as “expansion joints” (probably because of my engineering background 😊) These sutures are flexing and extending as cerebral spinal fluid is being pumped throughout your horse’s body. The pumping of the cerebral spinal fluid is supporting your horse’s nervous system…in essence, their whole body. So, if there is a disruption in this communication, you can see how this is detrimental to your horse’s health.

What can you do to help your horse?
Seek the help of a qualified Equine Craniosacral Therapist. Balance can be restored to your horse's cranial bones, and their nervous system can begin to function properly to support overall health.

It would be my pleasure to be part of your horse's wellness team. I currently have limited availability for new clients. Please reach out to see how I can help.

Blessings,
Amy