“There are some Modic changes
on your MRI report.” Chiropractic Solutions says “Don’t panic too
much.” Our San Jose back pain and neck pain patients are in
good company when it comes to MRI reports reporting Modic changes. The research is evolving
about just what Modic changes on MRI mean
for a patient..and what they don’t mean. Chiropractic Solutions puts perspective
around these common MRI findings.
WHAT ARE MODIC CHANGES?
“Modic changes” is a term used to describe the degenerative changes to the vertebral endplates. Modic type I changes are basically considered
to be bone marrow edema and inflammation signifying
acute degenerative changes. Modic type
II changes signify fatty degeneration of the bone marrow. Modic
III changes signify the replacement of bone with bony
sclerosis with minimal bone marrow remaining. (1) Chiropractic Solutions
appreciates the opportunity to treat
a painful back earlier in this
cascade of change whenever possible. Chiropractic Solutions treats disc degeneration and spinal degenerative changes.
WHAT MODIC CHANGES TELL ABOUT THE SPINE?
Modic changes are frequent 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 nonappearance
of daily vehicle vibration appeared to have slight
effects, if any, on the development of Modic changes in the lumbar spine. (3) Clearly,
Chiropractic Solutions encourages proper lifestyle choices for optimal health!
WHAT MODIC CHANGES REVEAL ABOUT RECOVERY?
What is unclear is the research about just
what Modic changes suggest about back pain
patients. New research showed that Modic
changes were not understood to be negatively affiliated
with long-term pain, disability, or sick leave. The research reported
that low back pain patients who had Modic changes had much
less disability and sick-leave at long-term follow-up. (4) This is hopeful
info to our San Jose chiropractic back pain patients!
CONTACT Chiropractic Solutions
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Robert Rudy on The
Back Doctors’ Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson who detailed
his Cox® Technic treatment plan
for their back pain relief to his patients so they understand.
Schedule your San Jose chiropractic appointment today.
Bring any MRIs with you. Together, Chiropractic Solutions and you will study them for information and create a treatment plan for
San Jose back pain relief that will keep us both from panicking!
"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the
DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by
Dr. James M. Cox I."