Lumbrex is an excellent example of a herbal blend that influences blood circulation in a specific location – the back muscles, spine, intervertebral discs, and ligaments. It works somewhat similarly to a “hot pack” in this area, used for centuries by people to help their sore backs.
Western medicine offers numerous medications that act like a "cold pack”. Anti-inflammatory medications (eg. meloxicam for dogs) help reduce peripheral circulation, as does a “cold pack”. In areas with excessive blood supply such as a sprained ankle in a person or traumatic leg injury in a dog, they reduce the blood circulation, causing a reduction in pain and inflammation.
Not all pain or problems result however, from an oversupply of blood circulation. In many animals, a lack or deficiency of peripheral blood circulation can cause muscular tension, pain, and dysfunction. In these cases, using a "hot pack" to increase blood supply is not only effective but can have long lasting benefits.
Lumbrex in often super useful in old dogs with back stiffness and pain. These dogs may have a dry coat and often have cold feet and ears (lack of peripheral blood circulation). For dogs with intervertebral disc disease, it may be used after the initial inflammation has subsided. It also can be used for “long wheelbase” dogs (eg Dachshunds), as a preventative for disc disease.
Lumbrex is safe to use with vet prescribed anti-inflammatories and corticosteroids. Often dogs who respond well to Lumbrex have a partial improvement to these medications.
Lumbrex may allow these medications to be slowly lowered and even stopped.
*Contraindications:
Lumbrex is not usually appropriate to use in acute inflammation. This is where a “cold pack” formula is needed. If
diarrhoea occurs after use, try lowering the dose or stop the formulae as it may not be appropriate.
**Please note, Vets are taught, common things occur commonly. In this case, Lumbrex is almost always going to be a good idea for a Dachshund, however there are exceptions. A hands-on visit with your integrative vet will help refine the herbs best for your pet.
