Schmorl’s
nodes are a common type of lesion that can occur in the spine. They develop
when the tissue inside the intervertebral discs slips out and pushes up or down
into the adjacent vertebrae.
Schmorl’s nodesusually
Trusted Source cause no symptoms. Doctors may find them when performing imaging
tests for other reasons. If an individual does not have any symptoms, they
usually do not require treatment.
However, if
someone experiences pain or mobility issues due to a Schmorl’s node, doctors
may recommend conservative treatment with pain-relieving medications and rest.
Schmorl’s nodes,
or intervertebral disc herniations, are small, round lesions that form on the
vertebrae, which are the bones that make up the spine.
They occur when an
intervertebral disc, a fibrous piece of cartilage that sits between each bone,
herniates and material from the inside presses into the adjacent vertebrae,
changing its shape.
Discs often
herniate sideways, but in a Schmorl’s node, the herniated disc extends upward
or downward into the neighboring vertebra due to issues with the vertebral
endplate. This structure sits between the discs and the bones, preventing the
disc from bulging.
Intervertebral
discs act as shock absorbers and consist of a jellylike center and a firm but
flexible outer. If the flexible part of a disc becomes turned, the soft inner
part can bulge out. If the bulge makes contact with the bone marrow inside the
vertebrae, it can lead to inflammation.
Schmorl’s nodes
can occur anywhere within the spinal column, but they most frequently affect
the upper lumbar spine.
Researchers
believe that the weakening of the vertebral endplates causes Schmorl’s nodes.
However, these nodes may also have links to other conditions, such as:
-
Scheuermann’s
disease, which causes the vertebra to grow unevenly during childhood
-
metabolic
diseases
-
degenerative
spine diseases
-
cancer
of the spine
-
spinal
trauma or fractures
-
spine
infections
However,
scientists are still learning more about this.
Doctors can
diagnose Schmorl’s nodes using diagnostic imaging techniques, such as MRIs.
On an MRI scan,
Schmorl’s nodes appear as small, bony abnormalities of the vertebral endplates.
If imaging techniques reveal characteristics resembling Schmorl’s nodes,
doctors may also run tests to help determine their underlying cause. Healthcare
professionals will particularly recommend these tests if there are other symptoms
or signs of a spine condition.
Because most
Schmorl’s nodes do not cause symptoms, people often do not require treatment.
However, if an
individual has painful Schmorl’s nodes, their doctor may suggest rest and pain
relief medications. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and
acetaminophen.
The symptoms
should resolve within2–6
months Trusted Source, although it can take up to 12 months for any swelling
that shows up on an MRI to gradually subside.
If this conservative
treatment approach brings no relief from symptoms, doctors may consider surgery
to remove the damaged disc. One surgical technique is lumbar interbody fusion,
which involves replacing the damaged disc with a bone graft. Surgeons will
attempt to restore the height between the vertebrae and promote fusion of the
two bones.
Schmorl’s nodes
form when the soft discs between the vertebrae of the spine herniate or bulge
through gaps in the vertebra, the bones that make up the spine. Rather than
bulging sideways, the herniated areas of the disc protrude upward or downward,
affecting the neighboring vertebrae.
The lesions are
common, potentially affecting up to 76% of the population. Usually, they cause
no symptoms and are not a cause for concern.
However, if an
individual experiences problems with pain and mobility or has other conditions
or symptoms that suggest a problem with the spine, they should speak with a
doctor.
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