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.