MRI. What does it do for Sitka back
pain and related leg pain? That is a peculiar
question. Diagnosing Sitka lumbar spinal stenosis does not
always require an MRI for a clear diagnosis. MRI
images can be informative…and calling for clinical tests to establish what those
images really suggest. An MRI is a recognized
test to many Sitka chiropractic
patients seeking Sitka back pain relief, but the
MRI’s timing and results need cautious
thought as to when they’re taken
and what they really indicate for the chiropractic care of
spinal stenosis at Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka.
HOW TO DIAGNOSE Sitka STENOSIS
Spinal stenosis is a common condition and the
most usual sign for spinal back surgery in the
over-65 age group. With the growth of this
group, by 2025 59% of them are expected to have
spinal stenosis. (1) Often
your Sitka chiropractor can diagnose spinal
stenosis with just a few questions and physical examination findings
with no an MRI. Your Sitka chiropractor may use the MRI as a verifying exam of the
Sitka chiropractic clinical examination diagnosis already
made just by seeing you.
WHAT THE Sitka MRI SHOWS
In the case of a disc extrusion causing
spinal stenosis where the Sitka herniated disc leaks out of
its outer bands and seeps out into the spinal canal physically constricting
and chemically inflaming the spinal nerve, an MRI showing
this many times bodes well for the MRI’s owner. A year later, whether managed surgically
or non-surgically, the back-related leg pain patient had
less leg pain. In this case an MRI doesn’t help much in determining
which patient would do better with quicker surgery or prolonged
conservative care. (2) And the healing of these Sitka spinal
stenosis related extrusions takes time and good, guided care like that from Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka.
HOW THE Sitka MRI INFLUENCES CARE
Know that as rates for spinal surgery increase
– ten times across the US – so too do the rates of advanced spinal imaging. In one
study, cities with more MRIs have more spine surgeries
(and spinal stenosis surgery specifically). (3) Understand
too that what a surgeon sees on MRI affects
how he or she handles the spinal back surgery for
stenosis. He/She considers the extent and location
of nerve compression as well as degenerative changes at adjacent
levels. Experienced surgeons reached agreement more with each
other’s interpretations of MRI images than less
experienced surgeons. (1) Experienced chiropractors like yours at Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka
also are more adept at picking up on
Sitka spinal stenosis as the diagnosis.
WHAT TO DO FOR Sitka STENOSIS AND SCIATICA
Treat it actively. Don’t rely on
passive care like bed rest. That’s old school care. Give it time.
Participate in the active, conservative care your
Sitka chiropractor shares with you for at least 6-8 weeks to witness
some change because there’s no sure difference
between surgical (though faster relief may come) and non-surgical
care after a year or two. (4) Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka uses the Cox
Technic System of Spine Pain Management for Sitka spinal stenosis and back pain relief care. The 50% Rule
guides treatment frequency and treatment progress and
decision-making as to when/if an MRI is necessary (if you
have not had one taken) or surgical or other care
consultation becomes necessary.
CONTACT Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka
Schedule a Sitka
chiropractic appointment to see your Sitka
chiropractic back pain specialist about your Sitka back pain and
sciatica to take the curiosity out of the question about MRI’s role in your
Sitka back pain treatment plan.