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Johnson Chiropractic Calmly Considers MRIs Modic Changes

“Your MRI shows some Modic changes.” Johnson Chiropractic says “Do not fret too much.” Our Richmond back pain and neck pain patients are in good company concerning 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. Johnson Chiropractic creates some perspective about these usual MRI findings.

WHAT ARE MODIC CHANGES?

“Modic changes” is a phrase used to explain the changes of the spine’s vertebral endplates which are connected to spinal degeneration. Modic type I changes are basically 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 are the replacement of bone with bony sclerosis with minimal bone marrow left. (1) Johnson Chiropractic appreciates the chance to take care of a painful back as early in this flow of change as possible. Johnson Chiropractic 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 come with disc degeneration. Greater Modic changes were tied 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 appeared to have slight effects, if any, on the development of Modic changes in the lumbar spine. (3) Clearly, Johnson Chiropractic 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 connote for back pain patients. New research showed 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 significantly less disability and sick-leave at long-term follow-up. (4) This is hopeful news to our Richmond chiropractic back pain patients!

CONTACT Johnson Chiropractic

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 Richmond chiropractic appointment now. Bring any MRIs with you. Together, Johnson Chiropractic and you will look at them for information and create a treatment plan for Richmond back pain relief that will prevent us both from panicking!

Johnson Chiropractic 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."