“Your MRI shows some Modic changes.” Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC says “Do not panic too
much.” Our La Grande back pain and neck pain patients are in
good company regarding MRI reports reporting Modic changes. The research is evolving
about just what MRI-documented Modic changes mean
for a patient..and what they do not. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC creates some perspective about these common MRI findings.
WHAT ARE MODIC CHANGES?
“Modic changes” is a phrase used to describe the changes of
the spine’s vertebral endplates which are related to
spinal degeneration. Modic type I changes are basically considered
to be bone marrow edema and inflammation signifying
acute degenerative changes. Modic type
II changes signify fatty degeneration of the bone marrow. Modic
III changes describe the replacement of bone with bony
sclerosis with little bone marrow left. (1) Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC
likes the opportunity to treat
a painful back earlier in this
cascade of change whenever possible. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC treats disc degeneration and spinal degenerative changes.
WHAT MODIC CHANGES TELL ABOUT THE SPINE?
Modic changes are familiar 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 come with 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 seemed to have minor
effects, if any, on the development of Modic changes in the lumbar spine. (3) Clearly,
Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC urges proper lifestyle choices for optimal health!
WHAT MODIC CHANGES SUGGEST ABOUT RECOVERY?
What is unclear is the research about just
what Modic changes mean for back pain
patients. Recent research showed 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 with Modic changes had significantly
less disability and sick-leave at long-term follow-up. (4) This is encouraging
info to our La Grande chiropractic back pain patients!
CONTACT Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Robert Rudy on The
Back Doctors’ Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson who described
his treatment plan with the Cox® Technic System
for their back pain relief to his patients so they understand.
Schedule your La Grande chiropractic appointment now.
Bring your MRIs with you. Together, Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC and you will study them for information and develop a treatment plan for
La Grande back pain relief that will keep us both from panicking!