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Vancouver Disc Centers Calmly Considers MRIs Modic Changes

“There are some Modic changes on your MRI report.” Vancouver Disc Centers says “Don’t panic too much.” Our Vancouver back pain and neck pain patients have good company when it comes to MRI reports talking about Modic changes. The research is developing about just what Modic changes on MRI mean for a patient..and what they do not. Vancouver Disc Centers puts perspective around these common MRI findings.

WHAT ARE MODIC CHANGES?

“Modic changes” is a term used to explain the degenerative changes to the vertebral endplates. Modic type I changes are essentially 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 describe the replacement of bone with bony sclerosis with minimal bone marrow remaining. (1) Vancouver Disc Centers appreciates the opportunity to treat a painful back as early in this flow of change as possible. Vancouver Disc Centers treats disc degeneration and spinal degenerative changes.

WHAT MODIC CHANGES TELL ABOUT THE SPINE?

Modic changes are frequent findings on MRI. Modic changes on MRI are seen in spinal degenerative diseases and are greatly associated with low back pain. (1) They are age-related degenerative findings that accompany disc degeneration. Greater Modic changes were tied to higher 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 minor effects, if any, on the development of Modic changes in the lumbar spine. (3) Clearly, Vancouver Disc Centers encourages proper lifestyle choices for optimal health!

WHAT MODIC CHANGES REVEAL 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 stated that low back pain patients who had Modic changes had much less disability and sick-leave at long-term follow-up. (4) This is hopeful info to our Vancouver chiropractic back pain patients!

CONTACT Vancouver Disc Centers

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 Vancouver chiropractic appointment now. Bring your MRIs with you. Together, Vancouver Disc Centers and you will look at them for information and develop a treatment plan for Vancouver back pain relief that will prevent us both from panicking!

Vancouver Disc Centers sees many back pain and neck pain patients who bring their MRIs with them to the office. Modic changes are often noted.  
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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."