Case Study: Kingston’s Recovery from Acute Lower Back Pain
Meet The Patient
Kingston, a 4-year old male Miniature Australian Shepherd, came to us after his owner noticed he wasn’t quite acting like himself following some rough play at home. Normally active and playful, he began showing signs of discomfort, including hunching of his back, signs of lower back discomfort, stiffness, and hesitation to jump or move as freely as usual.
His owner also noticed sensitivity when his lower back was touched, which raised concern that something more than typical soreness might be going on.
Kingston has a history of previous medical manipulation treatments (called chiropractic in human medicine), which had helped manage his mild musculoskeletal discomfort in the past.
The Diagnosis
Because acute back pain can stem from several causes, our team performed a full orthopedic and neurological evaluation.
During Kingston’s physical exam, the veterinary team noted:
- Mild to moderate pain on palpation of the lumbar spine
- Muscle tension in the lower back region
- Slightly hunched posture
- Normal neurological reflexes
- No evidence of limb weakness or loss of coordination
These findings were most consistent with an acute musculoskeletal strain or joint restriction, likely related to Kingston’s recent activity.
Fortunately, there were no signs suggesting a more serious neurological condition such as intervertebral disc disease.
Treatment Plans
To relieve Kingston’s discomfort and restore mobility, we implemented a multimodal treatment plan.
Medical Manipulation
A gentle veterinary medical manipulation (chiropractic) was performed by Dr. Catherine Newman to address joint restrictions in the lumbar region and restore normal joint mobility.
Pain and Inflammation Management
Supportive medications were prescribed to reduce inflammation and keep Kingston comfortable during recovery.
Activity Modification
Kingston’s owner was advised to restrict high-impact activities such as running, jumping, and rough play for several days to allow proper healing.
Supportive Home Care
At home, his care plan included:
- Controlled leash walks
- Soft, supportive bedding
- Monitoring for any changes or worsening symptoms
Outcome
Kingston responded beautifully to treatment. He showed immediate improvement in both posture and comfort following his visit.
Over the next several days:
- His mobility improved
- Back pain resolved
- He returned to normal activity levels
With proper rest and medical manipulation therapy, Kingston made a full recovery and was able to resume his playful lifestyle. This therapy can be used for preventative care or to treat pain and is repeated as needed, but usually no more than once a month for our pets.
Mobility
Dr. Newman provides medical manipulation and acupuncture for Central Providence Veterinary Hospital patients on Wednesday mornings. She also sees patients for extended assessments on musculoskeletal, post-surgery or neurologic conditions during the week at Vet-REC: Veterinary Rehabilitation and Exercise Clinic of the Carolinas.
Helping Your Pet Move Comfortably Again
At Central Providence Animal Hospital, we understand how concerning it can be when your pet is in pain or not acting like themselves. Our team is here to provide thorough evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and advanced therapies like medical manipulation and acupuncture to support your pet’s comfort and mobility.
If your pet is showing signs of stiffness, pain, or reluctance to move, don’t wait to seek care. Early treatment can make a significant difference in recovery and long-term quality of life.
📞 Contact Central Providence Animal Hospital today to schedule an appointment at (704) 318-2228 (call or text). We’re here to help your pet get back to feeling their best.