Call us to set up an appointment! 765.962.9900

Johnson Chiropractic Questions The Curiosity of MRIs

MRI. What does it mean for Richmond back pain and related leg pain? That is a peculiar question. Diagnosing Richmond lumbar spinal stenosis does not always require an MRI for a clear diagnosis. MRI images can be informative…and demanding of clinical tests to establish what those images really mean. An MRI is a familiar test to a lot of Richmond chiropractic patients wanting Richmond back pain relief, but the MRI’s arranging and outcomes need cautious thought as to when they’re ordered and what they really imply for the chiropractic care of spinal stenosis at Johnson Chiropractic.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE Richmond STENOSIS

Spinal stenosis is a common condition and the most usual indicator for spinal back surgery in the over-65 age group. With the growth of this group, by 2025 59% of them are expected to acquire spinal stenosis. (1) Often your Richmond chiropractor can diagnose spinal stenosis with only a few questions and physical examination discoveries without an MRI. Your Richmond chiropractor may use the MRI as a confirming test of the Richmond chiropractic clinical examination diagnosis previously made just by examining you.

WHAT THE Richmond MRI SHOWS

In the case of a disc extrusion causing spinal stenosis where the Richmond herniated disc escapes its outer bands and oozes into the spinal canal physically compressing and chemically inflaming the spinal nerve, an MRI revealing this many times bodes well for the MRI’s owner. A year later, whether treated surgically or non-surgically, the back-related leg pain patient had less leg pain. In this case an MRI doesn’t help much in determining which patient would do better with quicker surgery or lengthy conservative care. (2) And the healing of these Richmond spinal stenosis related extrusions takes time and good, guided care like that from Johnson Chiropractic.

HOW THE Richmond MRI INFLUENCES CARE

Understand that as rates for spinal surgery rise – ten times across the US – so too do the rates of advanced spinal imaging. In a study, cities with more MRIs have more spine surgeries (and spinal stenosis surgery specifically). (3) Know too that what a surgeon spots on MRI affects how he or she handles the spinal back surgery for stenosis. He/She studies the extent and location of nerve compression as well as degenerative changes at adjacent levels. Experienced surgeons reached agreement more with each other’s interpretations of MRI images than less experienced surgeons. (1) Experienced chiropractors like yours at Johnson Chiropractic also are more proficient at recognizing Richmond spinal stenosis as the diagnosis.

WHAT TO DO FOR Richmond STENOSIS AND SCIATICA

Treat it actively. Don’t depend on passive care like bed rest. That’s old school care. Give it time. Participate in the active, conservative care your Richmond chiropractor shares with you for at least 6-8 weeks to see some change because there is no clear difference between surgical (though faster relief may come) and non-surgical care after a year or two. (4) Johnson Chiropractic utilizes the Cox Technic System of Spine Pain Management for Richmond spinal stenosis and back pain relief care. The 50% Rule guides treatment frequency and treatment progress as well as decision-making as to when/if an MRI is required (if you have not had one taken) or surgical or other care consultation turns out to be necessary.

CONTACT Johnson Chiropractic

Schedule a Richmond chiropractic appointment to see your Richmond chiropractic back pain specialist about your Richmond back pain and sciatica to take the curiosity out of the question about MRI’s role in your Richmond back pain treatment plan. 

 
Richmond MRIs for spinal stenosis may be revealing…or confusing. 
« View All Spine Articles
"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."