“There are some Modic changes
on your MRI report.” Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka says “Don’t fret too
much.” Our Sitka back pain and neck pain patients are in
good company concerning MRI reports reporting Modic changes. The research is evolving
about just what MRI-documented Modic changes mean
for a patient..and what they do not. Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka creates some perspective about these usual MRI findings.
WHAT ARE MODIC CHANGES?
“Modic changes” is a phrase used to describe the changes of
the spine’s vertebral endplates which are related to
spinal degeneration. Modic type I changes are essentially regarded as bone marrow edema and inflammation signifying
acute degenerative changes. Modic type
II changes signify fatty degeneration of the bone marrow. Modic
III changes are the replacement of bone with bony
sclerosis with minimal bone marrow left. (1) Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka
appreciates the chance to take care of
a painful back earlier in this
cascade of change whenever possible. Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka treats disc degeneration and spinal degenerative changes.
WHAT MODIC CHANGES REVEAL ABOUT THE SPINE?
Modic changes are common findings on
MRI. Modic changes on MRI are seen in spinal degenerative diseases
and are strongly related to low back pain. (1) They
are age-related degenerative findings that accompany disc degeneration.
Greater Modic changes were tied to greater age, higher
body mass index, and adjacent disc degeneration. (2) Lifestyle and occupational
factors like cigarette smoking, regular exercise, and absence
of daily vehicle vibration seemed to have minor
effects, if any, on the development of Modic changes in the lumbar spine. (3) Clearly,
Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka encourages proper lifestyle choices for overall
good health!
WHAT MODIC CHANGES SUGGEST ABOUT RECOVERY?
What is unclear is the research regarding just
what Modic changes connote for back pain
patients. Recent research showed that Modic
changes were not understood to be negatively associated
with long-term pain, disability, or sick leave. The research reported
that low back pain patients who had Modic changes had significantly
less disability and sick-leave at long-term follow-up. (4) This is encouraging
news to our Sitka chiropractic back pain patients!
CONTACT Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Robert Rudy on The
Back Doctors’ Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson who described
his Cox® Technic treatment plan
for their back pain relief to his patients so they understand.
Schedule your Sitka chiropractic appointment now.
Bring any MRIs with you. Together, Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka and you will look
at them for information and develop a treatment plan for
Sitka back pain relief that will keep us both from panicking!