DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2023.v11i05.025

Pages: 959-963

Introduction: Modic changes refer to specific pathologic changes that occur in the vertebrae adjacent to the endplates of the intervertebral disc. They are observable through Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and are categorized into three types: Type I, II, and III. These changes are often associated with back pain and are considered a potential diagnostic marker for chronic low back pain. Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to assess the association of Modic changes and chronic low back pain. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, Brahmanbaria Medical College Hospital, Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh, during the period from December 2020 to December 2022. Total 150 patients with chronic low back pain were included in this study. Result: In our study, all the patients predominantly aged around 52.3 years, with a slight female predominance (52%) and a mean BMI within a healthy range. The average symptom duration was around 4 years. Most subjects showed Modic Type I changes (65.3%). Multivariate analyses demonstrated a stronger association between Type I changes and chronic low back pain, with decreasing associations in Types II and III. Pain variables, including episodes and severity, were associated more with Modic changes for low back pain than sciatic pain, suggesting a moderate link between Modic changes and pain experiences. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study reinforces the understanding that Modic changes, especially Modic Type I, are significantly associated with chronic low back pain.