Need some advice regarding necessary crating
What about it?
My dog was diagnosed with a herniated disc (cervical) three years ago. Surgery was not recommended at the time and we'd certainly like to avoid it now. He was prescribed anti-inflammatory medicine along with muscle relaxant. He's been mostly fine over these past three years, although he's had flare-ups every six months. Those were resolved with the same treatment. He's now 12 years old and he's had his June flare-up, only this time medication didn't work. He would ostensibly feel better hours after giving him meds but would relapse pretty quickly, unlike previous flare-ups when he would be fine for months after treatment.
The last few times vet did recommend that he move as little as possible and we've tried our best while avoiding crating him, but he's an anxious dog and it's really difficult to keep him from barking, running... (luckily he's never been able to run up and down the stairs so he's naturally confined to one floor of the house).
He's now able to walk, hasn't apparently lost back legs mobility, although they are weak (you can tell because when he comes home from a walk they shake uncontrollably for a few seconds). We are obviously very worried he's getting worse so this time around, especially because he doesn't seem to get better with medication and relative rest, we have decided to crate him.
This is his first time in a crate. He hasn't been crate trained and we so regret it now. He seems quite tense and doesn't lie down. How can I make my dog feel better in this unfortunate situation? Has anyone else had to go through this? Thank you all in advance.