Lumbrex and Voltrex are both Dr. Steve Marsden herbal formulas using a similar circulation-based approach – so I get asked a lot which one to use. Here's how I think about it:
Lumbrex vs Voltrex – which one?
- Lumbrex = back, spine and nerve focus. Better for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), sciatica, nerve impingement, chronic back stiffness, weakness in the hindquarters, and nerve-related pain. The formula has more herbs specifically targeted at spinal and nervous system circulation.-
- Voltrex = joints and ligaments focus. Better for cruciate injuries, hip dysplasia, shoulder and elbow joint issues, and post-surgical ligament recovery.
- For dogs with both spinal and joint issues, both can be used together – book a consultation and I can help you work out the right approach.
What I like most about Lumbrex is the mechanism explanation. Most dog owners have been told to put ice on an injury or give an anti-inflammatory and rest. That reduces pain in the short term, but it also reduces blood flow to the tissue that needs to repair. Lumbrex works the opposite way – it improves circulation to get nutrients and oxygen into damaged tissue so actual healing can happen.
The formula itself is based on a traditional Chinese herbal combination with over 1,400 years of documented use, adapted and concentrated for modern dogs by Dr. Marsden. Fifteen ingredients, organically grown, in a powdered form that mixes easily into food or broth.
Lumbrex – Back, Joint & Nerve Support for Dogs
Lumbrex is especially helpful for dogs dealing with:
Arthritis of the spine or hips
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Chronic stiffness in the back or neck
Sciatica, luxating patella, or nerve-related pain
Weakness, paralysis, or difficulty rising
Dogs recovering from spinal surgery.
How it works
Unlike anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce circulation (like putting an ice pack on the problem), Lumbrex improves blood flow to the spine, joints, and surrounding tissues.
Better circulation helps:
Reduce inflammation and stiffness
Relieve nerve impingement and muscle spasms
Restore flexibility and mobility
Support healing and long-term comfort
What pet parents notice
Older dogs often become stronger within days to weeks
Stiff backs start to loosen, allowing freer movement
Restlessness, night-time pacing, and painful spasms ease
Some dogs with IVDD or disc damage may even regain walking ability over time
Why choose Lumbrex?
For many dogs, conventional medications like NSAIDs, steroids, or painkillers bring only temporary relief—and long-term side effects can be tough. Lumbrex works differently: it addresses the root cause by restoring circulation and suppleness to the spine. Combined with physical therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and a fresh food diet, it offers a safe and effective long-term support option.
Ingredients
- Ginseng root
- Cinnamon bark
- Prepared Rehmannia root
- White peony root
- Ligusticum rhizome
- Pubescent angelica root
- Eucommia bark
- Ledebouriella root
- Poria
- Licorice root
- Cyathula root
- Notopterygium root
- Large Leaf Gentian root
- Loranthus
- Curculigo rhizome
- Natural flavoring
Dosage
Lumbrex is an organically grown concentrated herbal extract in powdered form. Lumbrex acts more quickly and completely if your pet is fed a real food meat- and vegetable-based diet, and if they receive physical therapies like chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, and PEMF.
To use, just fold the herbs into your pet's real food diet or shake them up with broth or water and pour them over top if using canned or kibble.
As a suggested starting dose, give twice daily as follows:
Up to 7 kg: ⅛ tsp
7 – 18 kg: ¼ tsp
18 – 32 kg: ½ tsp
32 – 50 kg: ¾ tsp
Over 50 kg: 1 tsp
If benefits are not seen, the dose can be safely doubled.
One bottle of Lumbrex lasts over a month for medium dogs (up to ~23 kg), and about two weeks for large dogs (around 45 kg).