Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. Calmly Considers MRIs Modic Changes

“Your MRI shows some Modic changes.” Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. says “Do not panic too much.” Our Auburn back pain and neck pain patients are in good company when it comes to MRI reports talking about Modic changes. The research is evolving about just what MRI-documented Modic changes mean for a patient..and what they do not. Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. creates some perspective about these common MRI findings.

WHAT ARE MODIC CHANGES?

“Modic changes” is a phrase used to describe the degenerative changes to the vertebral endplates. Modic type I changes are basically regarded as bone marrow edema and inflammation signifying acute degenerative changes.  Modic type II changes signify fatty degeneration of the bone marrow. Modic III changes signify the replacement of bone with bony sclerosis with little bone marrow remaining. (1) Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. appreciates the chance to treat a painful back earlier in this cascade of change whenever possible. Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. treats disc degeneration and spinal degenerative changes.

WHAT MODIC CHANGES TELL ABOUT THE SPINE?

Modic changes are common 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 come with disc degeneration. Greater Modic changes were linked to greater 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, Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. encourages proper lifestyle choices for overall good health!

WHAT MODIC CHANGES SUGGEST ABOUT RECOVERY?

What is unclear is the research about just what Modic changes imply for back pain patients. New research demonstrated that Modic changes were not found to be negatively affiliated with long-term pain, disability, or sick leave. The study 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 Auburn chiropractic back pain patients!

CONTACT Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C.

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Robert Rudy on The Back Doctors’ Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson who described his treatment plan with the Cox® Technic System for their back pain relief to his patients so they understand.

Schedule your Auburn chiropractic appointment today. Bring any MRIs with you. Together, Dr. Le's Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. and you will look at them for information and create a treatment plan for Auburn back pain relief that will prevent us both from panicking!