“Your MRI shows some Modic changes.” Spinal Care Clinic says “Do not panic too
much.” Our Burlington and Hamilton back pain and neck pain patients are in
good company concerning MRI reports talking
about Modic changes. The research is evolving
about just what Modic changes on MRI mean
for a patient..and what they do not. Spinal Care Clinic creates some perspective about these common MRI findings.
WHAT ARE MODIC CHANGES?
“Modic changes” is a phrase used to describe the changes of
the spine’s vertebral endplates which are related to
spinal degeneration. Modic type I changes are essentially considered
to be bone marrow edema and inflammation indicating
acute degenerative changes. Modic type
II changes represent fatty degeneration of the bone marrow. Modic
III changes signify the replacement of bone with bony
sclerosis with minimal bone marrow remaining. (1) Spinal Care Clinic
appreciates the chance to treat
a painful back earlier in this
cascade of change whenever possible. Spinal Care Clinic 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 greatly associated with low back pain. (1) They
are age-related degenerative findings that come with 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 nonappearance
of daily vehicle vibration appeared to have minor
effects, if any, on the development of Modic changes in the lumbar spine. (3) Clearly,
Spinal Care Clinic encourages proper lifestyle choices for overall
good health!
WHAT MODIC CHANGES REVEAL ABOUT RECOVERY?
What is unclear is the research regarding just
what Modic changes mean for back pain
patients. Recent research demonstrated that Modic
changes were not understood to be negatively affiliated
with long-term pain, disability, or sick leave. The study 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 encouraging
news to our Burlington and Hamilton chiropractic back pain patients!
CONTACT Spinal Care Clinic
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 Burlington and Hamilton chiropractic appointment now.
Bring your MRIs with you. Together, Spinal Care Clinic and you will look
at them for information and develop a treatment plan for
Burlington and Hamilton 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."