Cross Chiropractic Center Questions The Curiosity of MRIs

MRI. What does it mean for Sandy Springs back pain and related leg pain? That is a curious question. Diagnosing Sandy Springs lumbar spinal stenosis doesn’t always require an MRI for a clear diagnosis. MRI images can be enlightening…and calling for clinical tests to verify what those images really mean. An MRI is a familiar procedure to many Sandy Springs chiropractic patients wanting Sandy Springs back pain relief, but the MRI’s arranging and outcomes need careful consideration as to when they’re ordered and what they really indicate for the chiropractic treatment of spinal stenosis at Cross Chiropractic Center.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE Sandy Springs STENOSIS

Spinal stenosis is a normal condition and the most common sign for spinal back surgery in the over-65 age group. With the expansion of this group, by 2025 59% of them are predicted to acquire spinal stenosis. (1) Often your Sandy Springs chiropractor can identify spinal stenosis with only a few questions and physical examination discoveries with no an MRI. Your Sandy Springs chiropractor may use the MRI as a verifying test of the Sandy Springs chiropractic clinical examination diagnosis already determined just by seeing you.

WHAT THE Sandy Springs MRI SHOWS

In the event of a disc extrusion causing spinal stenosis where the Sandy Springs herniated disc escapes its outer bands and oozes into the spinal canal physically compressing and chemically irritating the spinal nerve, an MRI revealing this many times bodes well for the MRI’s owner. A 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 influencing which patient would do better with quicker surgery or prolonged conservative care. (2) And the healing of these Sandy Springs spinal stenosis related extrusions takes time and good, guided care like that from Cross Chiropractic Center.

HOW THE Sandy Springs 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 have more spine surgeries (and spinal stenosis surgery exactly). (3) Know too that what a surgeon makes out on MRI influences how he or she approaches 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 understandings of MRI images than less experienced surgeons. (1) Experienced chiropractors like yours at Cross Chiropractic Center also are more skilled at picking up on Sandy Springs spinal stenosis as the diagnosis.

WHAT TO DO FOR Sandy Springs STENOSIS AND SCIATICA

Treat it actively. Don’t depend on passive care like bed rest. That’s old school care. Give it time. Take part in the active, conservative care your Sandy Springs chiropractor shares with you for at least 6-8 weeks to see some change because there’s no sure difference between surgical (though faster relief may come) and non-surgical care after a year or two. (4) Cross Chiropractic Center utilizes the Cox Technic System of Spine Pain Management for Sandy Springs 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 necessary (if you have not had one taken) or surgical or other care consultation turns out to be necessary.

CONTACT Cross Chiropractic Center

Schedule a Sandy Springs chiropractic appointment to see your Sandy Springs chiropractic back pain specialist about your Sandy Springs back pain and sciatica to take the curiosity out of the question about MRI’s role in your Sandy Springs back pain treatment plan. 

 
Sandy Springs MRIs for spinal stenosis may be revealing…or confusing. 
« View All Spine Articles
"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."