MRI. What does it mean for Lynchburg back
pain and related leg pain? That’s a intriguing
question. Diagnosing Lynchburg lumbar spinal stenosis does not
always require an MRI for a clear diagnosis. MRI
images can be enlightening…and calling for clinical tests to determine what those
images really mean. An MRI is a recognized
procedure to a lot of Lynchburg chiropractic
patients seeking Lynchburg back pain relief, but the
MRI’s timing and outcomes require careful
consideration as to when they are ordered
and what they really imply for the chiropractic care of
spinal stenosis at Palmer Chiropractic Center.
HOW TO DIAGNOSE Lynchburg STENOSIS
Spinal stenosis is a normal condition and the
most common indicator for spinal back surgery in the
over-65 age set of people. With the expansion of this
group, by 2025 59% of them are expected to acquire
spinal stenosis. (1) Many times
your Lynchburg chiropractor can identify spinal
stenosis with just a few questions and physical examination findings
without an MRI. Your Lynchburg chiropractor may use the MRI as a confirming exam of the
Lynchburg chiropractic clinical examination diagnosis previously
made just by seeing you.
WHAT THE Lynchburg MRI SHOWS
In the case of a disc extrusion triggering
spinal stenosis where the Lynchburg herniated disc leaks out of
its outer bands and oozes into the spinal canal physically constricting
and chemically irritating the spinal nerve, an MRI revealing
this many times bodes well for the MRI’s patient. At
one year later, whether managed with surgery or without, the back-related leg pain patient had
less leg pain. In this case an MRI does not help much in determining
which patient would do better with early surgery or prolonged
conservative care. (2) And the healing of these Lynchburg spinal
stenosis related extrusions takes time and good, guided care like that from Palmer Chiropractic Center.
HOW THE Lynchburg 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 one
study, areas with more MRIs saw more spine surgeries
(and spinal stenosis surgery exactly). (3) Know
too that what a surgeon makes out on MRI influences
how he or she handles the spinal back surgery for
stenosis. He/She studies the degree and location
of nerve compression and degenerative changes at adjacent
levels. Experienced surgeons agreed more with each
other’s understandings of MRI images than less
experienced surgeons. (1) Experienced chiropractors like yours at Palmer Chiropractic Center
also are more proficient at picking up on
Lynchburg spinal stenosis as the diagnosis.
WHAT TO DO FOR Lynchburg STENOSIS AND SCIATICA
Treat it actively. Do not depend on
passive care like bed rest. That’s old school care. Give it time.
Take part in the active, conservative care your
Lynchburg chiropractor shares with you for at least 6-8 weeks to see
some change because there is no sure difference
between surgical (though quicker relief may come) and non-surgical
care after a year or two. (4) Palmer Chiropractic Center utilizes the Cox
Technic System of Spine Pain Management for Lynchburg 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’ve not had one done) or surgical or other care
consultation turns out to be necessary.
CONTACT Palmer Chiropractic Center
Schedule a Lynchburg
chiropractic appointment to see your Lynchburg
chiropractic back pain specialist about your Lynchburg back pain and
sciatica to take the curiosity out of the question about MRI’s role in your
Lynchburg back pain treatment plan.