Lesson plan

Modic changes

Modic changes are pathological changes in the bones of the spine, the vertebrae. These changes are situated in both the body of the vertebrae and in the end plate of the neighboring disc. Clinically, Modic Changes are often associated with constant lower back pain during the day, with peak pain occurring during the night and in the morning, coupled with back stiffness. Modic changes have been observed in approximately 6% of the general adult population regardless of ethnicity. Modic changes are rare in children and young adults. From the age of 25 to 40 years, there is a steep increase in their prevalence, which levels out about 40 years of age and is stable until 80+ years. Modic changes are estimated to affect approximately 349 million of the adult population worldwide.[July 2021 est.] Modic changes is a descriptive term used by radiologists in MRI evaluations. Conventional treatment including physiotherapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, and exercise for back pain, are not effective in treating Modic changes. Conversely, long term antibiotic treatment has been shown to be an effective treatment if done effectively.

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Article summary

Modic changes are pathological changes in the bones of the spine, the vertebrae. These changes are situated in both the body of the vertebrae and in the end plate of the neighboring disc. Clinically, Modic Changes are often associated with constant lower back pain during the day, with peak pain occurring during the night and in the morning, coupled with back stiffness. Modic changes have been observed in approximately 6% of the general adult population regardless of ethnicity. Modic changes are rare in children and young adults. From the age of 25 to 40 years, there is a steep increase in their prevalence, which levels out about 40 years of age and is stable until 80+ years. Modic changes are estimated to affect approximately 349 million of the adult population worldwide.[July 2021 est.] Modic changes is a descriptive term used by radiologists in MRI evaluations. Conventional treatment including physiotherapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, and exercise for back pain, are not effective in treating Modic changes. Conversely, long term antibiotic treatment has been shown to be an effective treatment if done effectively.

Key claims

  1. publication date: 2013 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95

Discussion questions

  1. Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
  2. The record states that the publication date is "2013". What evidence would count against this claim?
  3. Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
  4. If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?

Bibliography

  1. Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1355323623

Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.