“There are some Modic changes
on your MRI report.” Vancouver Disc Centers says “Don’t panic too
much.” Our Vancouver back pain and neck pain patients have
good company when it comes to MRI reports talking
about Modic changes. The research is developing
about just what Modic changes on MRI mean
for a patient..and what they do not. Vancouver Disc Centers puts perspective
around these common MRI findings.
WHAT ARE MODIC CHANGES?
“Modic changes” is a term used
to explain the degenerative changes to the vertebral endplates. 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 describe the replacement of bone with bony
sclerosis with minimal bone marrow remaining. (1) Vancouver Disc Centers
appreciates the opportunity to treat
a painful back as early in this flow of change as possible. Vancouver Disc Centers 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 greatly associated with 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 appeared to have minor
effects, if any, on the development of Modic changes in the lumbar spine. (3) Clearly,
Vancouver Disc Centers 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. Recent research demonstrated that Modic
changes were not found to be negatively associated
with long-term pain, disability, or sick leave. The study stated
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 Vancouver chiropractic back pain patients!
CONTACT Vancouver Disc Centers
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 get it.
Schedule your Vancouver chiropractic appointment now.
Bring your MRIs with you. Together, Vancouver Disc Centers and you will look
at them for information and develop a treatment plan for
Vancouver 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."