Kissing Spine in Horses: Rehabilitation, Infrared Therapy & Long-Term Management

Kissing spine in horses can feel overwhelming because it is rarely just the spine. While the diagnosis refers to changes in the dorsal spinous processes, the day-to-day discomfort often involves muscle guarding, compensatory movement, and chronic tension through the back and hind end.

Infrared light therapy (photobiomodulation) does not correct the bony changes of kissing spine. Instead, it supports comfort, circulation, and normal inflammatory processes in surrounding soft tissues so your horse can move more freely alongside veterinary care, strengthening programs, and saddle adjustments.

What Is Kissing Spine in Horses?

Kissing spine (overriding or impinging dorsal spinous processes) occurs when vertebrae in the thoracic spine sit too close together, sometimes touching or overlapping.

This may contribute to:

• Back soreness on palpation or grooming• Poor topline development• Resistance to saddling or girthing• Hollowing or bucking• Reluctance to move forward• Difficulty bending or engaging the hind end• One-sidedness

Important: Some horses show radiographic changes without clinical pain, while others show pain with minimal imaging findings. A veterinary examination is more important than X-rays alone.

Why Infrared Therapy Can Support Kissing Spine Rehabilitation

Although kissing spine is identified at the level of bone, many symptoms originate in soft tissue:

• Epaxial muscle tension (longissimus dorsi)• Thoracolumbar fascial restriction• Secondary gluteal tension• Altered hindlimb mechanics• Protective muscle guarding

Photobiomodulation (red and near-infrared light) is commonly used to support:

• Microcirculation and tissue oxygenation• Cellular energy processes• Recovery following rehabilitation work• Normal inflammatory responses• Comfort through modulation of pain signaling pathways

The goal is not structural correction — it is muscular and connective tissue support.

What Research Shows About Photobiomodulation and Equine Back Muscles

A 2021 open-access study in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science evaluated photobiomodulation on the epaxial muscles of ridden horses using pressure algometry and acoustic myography (AMG).

The study reported:

• No significant change in algometry pain-threshold readings• Statistically significant improvements in AMG muscle firing measurements 24 hours after treatment• Changes consistent with improved neuromuscular patterns

These findings suggest photobiomodulation may support muscle function during rehabilitation programs.

Tissue Penetration and Back Conditions

Coat color, pigmentation, and hair thickness influence light penetration in horses. Research comparing energy penetration profiles in equine skin demonstrated differences in delivery capacity between devices under certain conditions.

For conditions like kissing spine in horses, deeper muscle tissues must be reached to meaningfully support comfort and movement.

Which Wavelengths Are Relevant for Kissing Spine?

ReGen devices use three clinically relevant wavelengths:

• 660nm – Surface tissue signaling and skin-level support• 850nm – Deeper muscle and connective tissue support• 940nm – Deeper tissues with different absorption characteristics

Because kissing spine symptoms often involve deeper musculature and fascial structures, near-infrared wavelengths (850nm and 940nm) are typically emphasized. Red light (660nm) supports superficial tissues and cellular signaling.

A multi-wavelength approach allows layered tissue support rather than focusing on a single depth.

Practical Infrared Therapy Guidelines

General guidelines only. Always coordinate with your veterinarian or rehabilitation professional.

Application areasApply along the thoracolumbar longissimus on either side of the spine. Secondary areas may include the gluteus medius and SI/topline transition.

Work beside the spine — not directly over the dorsal spinous processes.

Session lengthStart with 5–10 minutes per side.Progress toward 10–15 minutes per side as tolerated.

FrequencyRehabilitation phase: 4–6 days per weekStrength-building phase: 3–4 days per weekMaintenance phase: 2–3 days per week

TimingMay be used before rehabilitation exercises to prepare tissues or after exercise to support recovery.

What Not To Do

• Do not rely on light therapy alone• Do not ignore saddle fit and strengthening work• Do not apply directly over the dorsal spinous processes• Do not begin aggressively — build gradually

Kissing spine management requires a structured, multi-factor approach.

When to Involve Your Veterinarian

Contact your veterinarian if you observe:

• Worsening pain reactions• Neurological signs or stumbling• Sudden performance decline• Persistent pain despite rest

Kissing spine frequently overlaps with SI dysfunction, ulcers, saddle fit problems, and limb lameness. A full clinical assessment is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can infrared therapy help kissing spine?

It can support comfort and recovery of the surrounding muscles and connective tissue as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.

How often should I use light therapy?

Many owners begin 4–6 days per week during rehabilitation, then taper to 2–3 days per week for maintenance.

Before or after riding?

Both approaches may be beneficial depending on the individual horse’s response.

Is 940nm necessary?

Near-infrared wavelengths are commonly used for deeper tissues. Multi-wavelength systems provide broader depth coverage.

References

Ahmed W et al. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science (2021)Luna SPL et al. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science (2020)Joensen J et al. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery (2012)