Executive Chiropractic of Iowa Calmly Considers MRIs Modic Changes
“Your MRI shows some Modic changes.” Executive Chiropractic of Iowa says “Do not fret too much.” Our West Des Moines back pain and neck pain patients have good company regarding MRI reports revealing Modic changes. The research is developing about just what MRI-documented Modic changes mean for a patient..and what they do not. Executive Chiropractic of Iowa puts perspective around these common MRI findings.
WHAT ARE MODIC CHANGES?
“Modic changes” is a term used to describe the changes of the spine’s vertebral endplates which are linked to spinal degeneration. Modic type I changes are basically considered to be bone marrow edema and inflammation indicating 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 little bone marrow left. (1) Executive Chiropractic of Iowa appreciates the chance to treat a painful back earlier in this cascade of change whenever possible. Executive Chiropractic of Iowa treats disc degeneration and spinal degenerative changes.
WHAT MODIC CHANGES REVEAL ABOUT THE SPINE?
Modic changes are familiar findings on MRI. Modic changes on MRI appear in spinal degenerative diseases and are strongly related to low back pain. (1) They are age-related degenerative findings that come with 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 looked to have slight effects, if any, on the development of Modic changes in the lumbar spine. (3) Clearly, Executive Chiropractic of Iowa 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 imply for back pain patients. Recent research demonstrated that Modic changes were not found to be negatively associated with long-term pain, disability, or sick leave. The research reported that low back pain patients with Modic changes had significantly less disability and sick-leave at long-term follow-up. (4) This is hopeful news 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 detailed his treatment plan with the Cox® Technic System for their back pain relief to his patients so they understand.
Schedule your West Des Moines chiropractic appointment today. Bring any MRIs with you. Together, Executive Chiropractic of Iowa and you will look at them for information and develop a treatment plan for West Des Moines back pain relief that will prevent us both from panicking!
