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Updated: May 30, 2026
Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
Are Modic changes prognostic for recovery in a cohort of patients with non-specific low back pain?
Anne Keller1, Eleanor Boyle, Thomas A Skog
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital, 0407, Oslo, Norway. Anne.Keller@medisin.uio.no
Background:
There is evidence for an association between Modic type 1 and pain in patients with low back pain (LBP), but little knowledge about its effect on clinical outcomes.
Purpose:
(1) To assess the prevalence of Modic changes, (2) to determine if Modic changes influence the clinical course of LBP, and (3) to identify prognostic factors for recovery.
Study Design/Setting:
Prospective clinical cohort study, with a 1-year follow-up. The treatment consisted of brief intervention and instruction in stretching. PATIENT'S SAMPLE: Two hundred and sixty-nine patients with chronic low back pain.
Outcome Measures:
Socio-demographic variables, education, profession, self-reported measures, degenerative changes on MRI.
Methods:
Linear growth model and Cox regression analysis.
Results:
Five percent had a normal MRI, 14 and 50% had Modic 1 and Modic 2 changes. Modic changes were not significant covariates for the clinical course of pain, function or fear avoidance beliefs. Education was a strong prognostic factor for recovery.
Conclusions:
Modic changes did not influence the clinical course of back pain and were not prognostic factors for recovery. Education was strongly associated with recovery.
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