MRI. What does it do for Oxford back
pain and related leg pain? That’s a peculiar
question. Diagnosing Oxford lumbar spinal stenosis doesn’t
always need an MRI for a clear diagnosis. MRI
images can be enlightening…and demanding
of clinical tests to determine what those
images really suggest. An MRI is a recognized
procedure to a lot of Oxford chiropractic
patients wanting Oxford back pain relief, but the
MRI’s timing and outcomes require cautious
consideration as to when they are ordered
and what they really indicate for the chiropractic treatment of
spinal stenosis at Satterwhite Chiropractic.
HOW TO DIAGNOSE Oxford STENOSIS
Spinal stenosis is a common condition and the
most usual 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 have
spinal stenosis. (1) Often
your Oxford chiropractor can diagnose spinal
stenosis with just a few questions and physical examination findings
without an MRI. Your Oxford chiropractor may order
an MRI as a confirming exam of the
Oxford chiropractic clinical examination diagnosis previously
determined just by seeing you.
WHAT THE Oxford MRI SHOWS
In the event of a disc extrusion triggering
spinal stenosis where the Oxford herniated disc escapes
its outer bands and oozes into the spinal canal physically compressing
and chemically inflaming the spinal nerve, an MRI revealing
this many times bodes well for the MRI’s owner. A year later, whether managed surgically
or non-surgically, the back-related sciatica 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 lengthy
conservative care. (2) And the healing of these Oxford spinal
stenosis related extrusions takes time and good, guided care like that from Satterwhite Chiropractic.
HOW THE Oxford MRI INFLUENCES CARE
Know that as rates for spinal surgery increase
– 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) Understand
too that what a surgeon spots on MRI influences
how he or she manages the spinal back surgery for
stenosis. He/She considers the degree and location
of nerve compression and degenerative changes at adjacent
levels. Experienced surgeons agreed more with each
other’s interpretations of MRI images than less
experienced surgeons. (1) Experienced chiropractors like yours at Satterwhite Chiropractic
also are more skilled at recognizing
Oxford spinal stenosis as the diagnosis.
WHAT TO DO FOR Oxford STENOSIS AND SCIATICA
Treat it actively. Don’t rely on
passive care like bed rest. That is old school care. Give it time.
Participate in the active, conservative care your
Oxford chiropractor shares with you for at least 6-8 weeks to witness
some change because there’s no clear difference
between surgical (though faster relief may come) and non-surgical
care after a year or two. (4) Satterwhite Chiropractic uses the Cox
Technic System of Spine Pain Management for Oxford spinal stenosis and back pain relief care. The 50% Rule
guides treatment frequency and treatment progress and
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 Satterwhite Chiropractic
Schedule a Oxford
chiropractic appointment to visit your Oxford
chiropractic back pain specialist about your Oxford back pain and
sciatica to take the curiosity out of the question about MRI’s role in your
Oxford back pain treatment plan.