Analyzing the cervical spine of neck pain sufferers
who have MRIs noting some changes in the spine can be
interesting, confusing, and/or (non)directive for treatment planning.
Hollstrom & Associates Inc always considers imaging through the lens of the
clinical symptomatology and spinal exam. Largo
neck pain with imaging-revealed changes in the cervical spine will get
a treatment plan based on both imaging (if/when available) and clinical exam
findings.
MRI-SEEN CHANGES IN DISC AND VERTEBRA
MRI is an amazing technology. It is used commonly to
evaluate intervertebral disc degeneration. When spine pain continues
without relief while undergoing care for an extended period of time, having
imaging done is logical and follows today’s
guidelines for back pain management. The imaging findings must be linked
with the clinical symptomatology seen in the clinical exam to guide
the care for optimal relief. Modic Changes – vertebral bone endplate and bone
marrow changes - are typically noted when radiologists review
the MRI and classify the level of disc degeneration: level 1 being
the least degenerated and level 3 being the most degenerated. More lumbar spine studies have been done
to correlate back pain symptoms with imaging findings. In the cervical spine,
the studies are scarcer. A review of 14 research studies regarding
the link between neck pain and/or cervical spine disc
degeneration to MRI-revealed Modic changes reported that
cervical spine Modic changes were seen in 5% to 40% of the
images. Patients whose MRIs showed Modic changes
stated more neck pain and disability. Their imaging
also demonstrated more cervical disc degeneration. (1) Of late,
one MRI study of cervical spines of neck pain and shoulder stiffness
patients stated that no system of classification
of cervical disc degeneration correlated with
clinical symptoms. However, the researchers did mention that
vertebral endplate changes may be linked to clinical symptom
presentations. (2) Chiropractic care can help pain due to disc degeneration
and vertebral changes.
TREATMENT PLANNING
When it comes to chiropractic
treatment of patients with MRI imaging presenting
Modic changes, researchers and clinicians have faced correlating effective non-surgical treatment options. Review of
studies previously published about the care
of Modic change associated back pain, in this review
it was low back pain, revealed that spinal manipulation was advocated
as an option. The review listed insufficient support for use
of medication and rigid lumbar brace wearing, antibiotics’
use as controversial, and exercise
therapy’s use to reduce back pain intensity as having low evidence
support. (3) Do you see how imaging can be interesting, confusing,
and/or (non)directive? One thing your Largo
chiropractor knowledgeably and safely delivers
is spinal manipulation for neck pain and back pain relief often
before and/or despite imaging. Hollstrom & Associates Inc stays the course with what our experience tells us helps our patients.
CONTACT Hollstrom & Associates Inc
Listen to the PODCAST
with Dr. Matthew Scott on the
Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he
explains the effectiveness and gentleness
of the Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain
Management for his patient with cervical spine disc degeneration and herniation
that allowed him to avoid spine surgery.
Make your next Largo
chiropractic appointment with Hollstrom & Associates Inc. MRIs and Modic changes will
not confuse your chiropractor when it comes to setting
up a neck pain relieving cervical spine treatment plan.
"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."