Executive Chiropractic of Iowa Calmly Considers MRIs Modic Changes

“There are some Modic changes on your MRI report.” Executive Chiropractic of Iowa says “Don’t fret too much.” Our West Des Moines 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 MRI-documented Modic changes mean for a patient..and what they do not. Executive Chiropractic of Iowa creates some perspective about these common MRI findings.

WHAT ARE MODIC CHANGES?

“Modic changes” is a term used to explain the changes of the spine’s vertebral endplates which are connected to spinal degeneration. Modic type I changes are essentially regarded as bone marrow edema and inflammation indicating acute degenerative changes.  Modic type II changes represent fatty degeneration of the bone marrow. Modic III changes describe the replacement of bone with bony sclerosis with little bone marrow left. (1) Executive Chiropractic of Iowa appreciates the chance to take care of a painful back as early in this flow of change as possible. Executive Chiropractic of Iowa treats disc degeneration and spinal degenerative changes.

WHAT MODIC CHANGES TELL ABOUT THE SPINE?

Modic changes are familiar 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 higher 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 slight effects, if any, on the development of Modic changes in the lumbar spine. (3) Clearly, Executive Chiropractic of Iowa urges proper lifestyle choices for overall good health!

WHAT MODIC CHANGES SUGGEST ABOUT RECOVERY?

What is unclear is the research about just what Modic changes mean for back pain patients. New research demonstrated 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 with Modic changes had much less disability and sick-leave at long-term follow-up. (4) This is hopeful info to our West Des Moines chiropractic back pain patients!

CONTACT Executive Chiropractic of Iowa

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 West Des Moines chiropractic appointment today. Bring your MRIs with you. Together, Executive Chiropractic of Iowa and you will look at them for information and create a treatment plan for West Des Moines back pain relief that will prevent us both from panicking!

Executive Chiropractic of Iowa sees many back pain and neck pain patients who bring their MRIs with them to the office. Modic changes are often noted.  
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