
21 Mar Modic Changes & Disc Degeneration

Your spine is comprised of several discs that lie in between each of your vertebrae. These discs possess the innate ability to absorb shock and provide a cushion to help stabilize your spine. The discs also allow you to be flexible, enhancing your movements and giving you the ability to bend or twist. When these discs break down, they tend to become worn and less elastic; this is called disc degeneration. At Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation, our orthopedist in Brooklyn can help determine if you are currently experiencing these Modic changes and conditions.
What Leads to Disc Degeneration?
In most cases, the universal causality that lies within the development of degeneration pertains to aging. Initially, upon birth, you are born with jelly-like fluid in your discs that compose your spine. As you get older, these discs tend to lose water, forcing them to dry out and become deteriorated. Since your vertebrae now possess less shock absorption, the bones in your spine will sit closer together and forcibly rub against one another.
Disc degeneration can also be catalyzed by a buildup of stresses on your spine, such as pain from lifting heavy objects or trauma from a car accident. These incidences can cause the discs in your spine to crack, obligating the jelly-like fluid in the discs to seep through the crack. This may potentially force the disc to begin bulging from the spine.
What Do Modic Changes Entail?
Modic changes are directly related to disc degeneration. This condition refers to the pathological changes in your vertebrae and discs in your spine. These changes can only be detected through an MRI scan, and they are classified into three different types; Type I, Type II, and Type III.
Type I – In this case, there is a small amount of degeneration on the bones and discs that make up the spine and microfractures could be present. You may experience pain if you are experiencing a Type I Modic change.
Type II – You will also experience pain with a Type II Modic change. However, the fluid in your spine and bone marrow will be replaced by visceral fat.
Type III – It is rare that you will develop a Type III Modic change in your spine. The MRI will show signs of sclerosis and fractures within the spine.
Orthopedist in Brooklyn
If you have back pain, you could be experiencing disc degeneration and Modic changes. Reach out to our orthopedist in Brooklyn for help. Your doctor can order an MRI to diagnose your pain and create a treatment plan that is right for you, contact Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation today!


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