Kissing Spine in Horses

Kissing Spine Horse Physio in Cheshire

Kissing spine- or overriding dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP)- is a common and often painful condition affecting the vertebrae in a horse’s back. At IP Vet Physio, we provide targeted physiotherapy for kissing spine to help improve your horse’s comfort, mobility, and performance.

We offer mobile kissing spine treatment for horses across Cheshire, Manchester, and surrounding areas, working closely with vets and owners to support long-term recovery and management.

What is kissing spine?

Kissing spine occurs when the bony projections at the top of the vertebrae (dorsal spinous processes) are positioned too closely together and may touch or overlap. This can cause pain, inflammation, and muscle tension, particularly during movement or exercise.

The condition most commonly affects the thoracic region of the spine (just behind the withers and under the saddle area) which means it can have a significant impact on ridden work and saddle comfort.

Symptoms of kissing spine

Signs can vary from subtle behavioural changes to more obvious performance issues. Common symptoms include:

Resistance to being tacked up or ridden
Bucking, rearing, or refusing to go forward
Stiffness or unevenness in the back and hindquarters
Dipping the back when pressure is applied
Reluctance to work in an outline or engage the hind end
General loss of performance or enthusiasm for work

A definitive diagnosis can only be made via veterinary examination, usually involving X-rays or scintigraphy.

What causes kissing spine?

While some horses are genetically predisposed, kissing spine can also be linked to poor saddle fit, incorrect training, lack of core strength, or compensatory movement from previous injuries. It can affect horses in all disciplines, from elite competition animals to leisure horses.

Physiotherapy treatment for kissing spine

Veterinary intervention may include medication, injections, or in some cases, surgery. However, kissing spine physiotherapy plays a vital role in both pre- and post-treatment care.

At IP Vet Physio, we use a range of techniques to support horses with this condition, including:

Manual therapy and sports massage to relieve tension
Tailored exercise programmes to strengthen the core and stabilising muscles
Controlled, progressive rehabilitation plans
Electrotherapies such as laser or PEMF to reduce inflammation and encourage healing
Ongoing assessments to monitor posture, gait, and muscle development

Animal physiotherapy not only helps relieve discomfort but also reduces the risk of further issues developing elsewhere in the body due to compensation.

Vet physio for kissing spine in Cheshire

If your horse has been diagnosed with kissing spine, we’re here to support you with expert, compassionate care. Our treatment for kissing spine is tailored to the individual horse and works in collaboration with your vet and wider support team.

To discuss a personalised kissing spine treatment for horses in Cheshire or Manchester, or to arrange an initial assessment, please contact IP Vet Physio today.