Studying the cervical spine of neck pain patients
who have MRIs noting some changes in the spine can be
interesting, confusing, and/or (non)directive for treatment planning.
Vancouver Disc Centers always views imaging through the lens of the
clinical symptomatology and spinal examination. Vancouver
neck pain with imaging-revealed changes in the cervical spine will receive
a treatment plan based on both imaging (if/when available) and clinical exam
findings.
MRI-SEEN CHANGES IN DISC AND VERTEBRA
MRI is an amazing technology. It is used commonly to
evaluate intervertebral disc degeneration. When spine pain continues
without relief while undergoing care for an extended period of time, having
imaging done is logical and follows today’s
guidelines for back pain management. The imaging findings must be correlated
with the clinical symptomatology found in the clinical exam to direct
the care for optimal relief. Modic Changes – vertebral bone endplate and bone
marrow changes - are typically noted when radiologists read
the MRI and classify the level of disc degeneration: level 1 being
the least degenerated and level 3 being the most degenerated. In the lumbar
spine, more studies have been done
to correlate back pain symptoms with imaging findings. In the cervical spine,
the studies are scarcer. A review of 14 research studies about
the link between neck pain and/or cervical spine disc
degeneration to MRI-revealed Modic changes described that
cervical spine Modic changes were seen in 5% to 40% of the
images. Patients whose MRIs revealed Modic changes
expressed more neck pain and disability. Their imaging
also showed more cervical disc degeneration. (1) Recently,
an MRI study of cervical spines of neck pain and shoulder stiffness
patients stated that no classification system
of cervical disc degeneration showed any relationship to
clinical symptoms. However, the researchers did explain that
vertebral endplate changes may be linked to clinical symptom
presentations. (2) Disc degeneration and vertebral changes causing pain can
be addressed with chiropractic care.
TREATMENT PLANNING
When it comes to chiropractic
treatment of patients with MRI imaging showing
Modic changes, researchers and clinicians have faced correlating effective non-surgical treatment options. Review of
studies currently published about the care
of Modic change associated back pain, in this case
it was low back pain, found that spinal manipulation was proposed
as an option. The review recorded insufficient support for use
of medication and rigid lumbar brace wearing, controversial use of antibiotics, and exercise
therapy’s use to reduce back pain intensity as having low evidence
support. (3) Do you see how imaging can be interesting, confusing,
and/or (non)directive? One thing your Vancouver
chiropractor knowledgeably and safely delivers
is spinal manipulation for neck pain and back pain relief often
before and/or despite imaging. Vancouver Disc Centers keeps doing
what works for our patients.
CONTACT Vancouver Disc Centers
Listen to the PODCAST
with Dr. Matthew Scott on the
Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he
describes the effective, gentle treatment with the Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain
Management for his patient with cervical spine disc degeneration and herniation
that allowed him to avoid spine surgery.
Schedule your next Vancouver
chiropractic appointment with Vancouver Disc Centers. MRIs and Modic changes will
not confuse your chiropractor when it comes to establishing a neck pain relieving treatment plan for your cervical
spine issues.
"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."