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The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR Calmly Considers MRIs Modic Changes

“There are some Modic changes on your MRI report.” The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR says “Don’t panic too much.” Our Colorado Springs back pain and neck pain patients have good company when it comes to MRI reports revealing Modic changes. The research is evolving about just what Modic changes on MRI mean for a patient..and what they don’t mean. The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR 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 related to spinal degeneration. Modic type I changes are essentially regarded as bone marrow edema and inflammation signifying acute degenerative changes.  Modic type II changes represent fatty degeneration of the bone marrow. Modic III changes are the replacement of bone with bony sclerosis with little bone marrow remaining. (1) The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR appreciates the opportunity to treat a painful back as early in this flow of change as possible. The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR treats disc degeneration and spinal degenerative changes.

WHAT MODIC CHANGES REVEAL 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 accompany disc degeneration. Greater Modic changes were linked 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 seemed to have slight effects, if any, on the development of Modic changes in the lumbar spine. (3) Clearly, The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR urges proper lifestyle choices for overall good health!

WHAT MODIC CHANGES SUGGEST 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 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 info to our Colorado Springs chiropractic back pain patients!

CONTACT The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR

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 understand.

Schedule your Colorado Springs chiropractic appointment now. Bring any MRIs with you. Together, The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR and you will look at them for information and develop a treatment plan for Colorado Springs back pain relief that will prevent us both from panicking!

The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR sees many back pain and neck pain patients who bring their MRIs with them to the office. Modic changes are often seen.  
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"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."