“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!
"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."