Low back pain is a prevalent concern and one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. Many things can contribute to a person’s back pain, from injury and poor posture to lifestyle and diseases like arthritis. But an often overlooked cause that medical professionals are trying to explore more is endplate damage and modic changes. 

What is Endplate Damage and Modic Changes?

An endplate is the cartilage and porous bone found between each vertebra along the spine. These endplates help to transport nutrients, distribute weight, and act as a protective barrier to keep discs from merging into bones. Endplate damage is any kind of injury or degeneration of the endplates that keep them from properly performing one of their functions, often leading to discomfort along the spine. The pain can feel a bit different for everyone, but it is usually a deep aching or burning sensation in the center of the lower back.

 

A modic change is an MRI-visible change of the vertebral bone marrow that causes back pain. There are three types of modic changes:

 

  • Type 1 signals inflammation or swelling
  • Type 2 indicates the representation of fatty replacement of bone marrow
  • Type 3 indicates sclerosis 

 

While there are three types of modic change, only Types 1 and 2 have links to back pain. 

Treatment Options for Endplate Damage and Modic Changes

One of the primary treatments for endplate damage and modic changes is basivertebral nerve ablation. This treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency to heat the basivertabral nerve, which is responsible for signaling pain. The heat disrupts pain signals to the brain, allowing patients to experience relief. 

 

Since basivertebral nerve abolition is a minimally invasive surgery, the recovery time is also minimal. Many people can return to daily activities within 24 to 48 hours. As with any treatment, there are potential side effects, like minor swelling or soreness around the incision. 

Spinal Care at Mocek Spine Clinic

No one should have to suffer through low back pain. If you have endplate damage or any type of chronic low back discomfort, the team at Moeck Spine Clinic is here to help. We pride ourselves on a patient-centered approach to treatment, working to help clients return to a pain-free life as quickly as possible. 

 

You can schedule an appointment online and discover the best pain solutions for your lower back pain.