Clinical outcomes according to Modic changes of lumbar sprain due to traffic accidents following treatment with Korean Medicine

Introduction: Traffic accidents are increasing in modern society and demand for Korean Medicine for the treatment of symptoms associated with them are also increasing in Korea. In this study, we analyzed the clinical outcomes, according to Modic changes (MCs) on MRI, of Korean Medicine treatment in patients with lumbar sprain following a traffic accident. Methods: This retrospective observational review was conducted with 268 patients with lumbar sprain following a traffic accident who had been admitted to Bucheon Jaseng Korean Hospital from January 2015 to May 2018. Changes in the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain severity, Oswestry disablity index (ODI) for disability, and EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ-5D) for the quality of life were compared between groups of different MC types. Results: The difference in NRS, ODI and EQ-5D between admission and discharge showed statistical significance (p < 0.05). Changes in the NRS were significantly different among the different MC types (p < 0.05). ODI and EQ-5D did not show statistical significance according to the MC type (p > 0.05). Conclusion: We ascertained that the lesser the degree of MCs present, the better the outcome of the NRS after treatment with Korean Medicine in patients with lumbar sprain following a traffic accident, but not in ODI and EQ-5D.