Schmorl’s nodule, also known as Schmorl hernia, consists of a herniated disk that occurs in the vertebra, is usually found on an MRI or TOMography of the spine and is not always a cause for concern because it does not cause pain, in most cases, or any other alteration.
This type of hernia is more common at the end of the thoracic spine and the appearance of the lumbar spine, as between L5 and S1, being more found in people over 45 years of age, but it is not serious, nor is it indicative of cancer.
- Schmorl’s nodule can occur in a healthy spine without any symptoms.
- So when a person performs a spinal exam to have back pain and finds this nodule.
- It is necessary to continue looking for other changes that cause spinal pain.
- Since this nodule does not.
- Causes symptoms.
- Is not serious and is not a cause for concern.
However, although this is much less common, when the nodule suddenly forms, as in a traffic accident, for example, it can cause a small local inflammation, causing pain in the spine.
In most cases, The Schmorl nodule does not cause pain, it is discovered only through tests; However, when the hernia affects a nerve, there may be lower back pain, but this situation is rare.
The causes are not fully known, but some theories indicate that Schmorl’s nodule may be caused by:
The best test to see this lump is the MRI that also allows you to see if there is swelling around it, indicating a recent, inflamed lump. When the lump formed a long time ago and there is calcification around, it can be seen on an X-ray, in which case it usually does not cause pain.
Treatment is only necessary when symptoms occur, in this case it is necessary to know the causes of symptoms, such as muscle tension, other types of herniated disks, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, hyperparathyroidism, Paget disease, infections and cancer, for example.take pain relievers for pain relief, use of anti-inflammatory and physiotherapy.When there are other major changes in the spine, the orthopedist may indicate the need and undergo surgery to fuse two vertebrae, for example.