MRI reports on 325 cervical spine and 361 lumbar spine cases referred by doctors of chiropractic were obtained from a private, free standing imaging center.This study sought to determine the prevalence of abnormal MRI findings in this cohort.

 

Three hundred and twenty-five MR studies of the cervical spine were reviewed. Two hundred ninety seven of 325 reports (91%) presented spinal abnormalities, while 28 of 325 had no abnormalities noted.One hundred thirteen (35%) of 325 had disc degeneration with 54 MRIs (17%) exhibiting osteophytosis, 21 (6%) posterior ridging, and 2 (1%) arthrosis of Joints of Lushcka.Two hundred twenty-five disc lesions were present with many reports indicating multiple lesions at different segments. One hundred one of 325 reports (31%) indicated disc bulges, 15 of 325 (5%) were specifically central disc bulges. Sixty-one (19%) indicated central herniations, 44 (14%) paracentral herniations, and 4 (1%) disc herniations were found without directionality indicated.

 

Three hundred and sixty-one MR lumbar spine reports were reviewed. Three hundred twenty two of 361 reports (89%) presented spinal abnormalities, while 39 of 361 had no abnormalities noted.Two hundred fifty-one (70%) of 361 had disc degeneration. One hundred forty six of 361 reports (40%) indicated disc bulges, 10 (3%) anterior disc protrusion, 58 (16%) central herniation, 13 (4%) lateral disc bulge, 11 (3%) lateral herniation, 44 (12%) paracentral herniation and 24 (7%) indicated borderline canal stenosis.

 

Degenerative changes in the spine may be associated with vertebral subluxations. Vertebral subluxations are changes in the position or motion of a vertebra, which result in the interference with nerve function. Possible neurobiological mechanism associated with vertebral subluxationsinclude, compression, stretch, dysafferentation, dyskinesia, dysponesis, dysautonomia, neuroplasticity and ephaptic transmission.

 

Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging, Cervical spine, Lumbar spine, Vertebral subluxation, Chiropractic

 

Abbreviation: MRI- Magnetic Resonance Imaging