Schmorl's hernia: what is to be feared

There are many diagnoses from the group of diseases of the spine, one of the most common – schmorl's hernia of the thoracic spine. This type of hernia is often called benign and asymptomatic. Not in vain it?

It's true. Schmorl's nodule can be congenital, asymptomatic, but do not forget that the absence of competent treatment, injury or heavy physical exertion in the presence of such a diagnosis can provoke the emergence of serious pathological changes in the spine.

 

A little about pathology

Schmorl's nodule – the change in the structure of the spine, asymptomatic, is caused by pressing the disk in the vertebra. Named the disease after its discoverer, Dr. Christian schmorl's. He first described this pathology and formulated ways to treat it.



Often found congenital form of this disease, but treatment usually is not required. Unpleasant and pain with this diagnosis related to the fact that disturbed statics of the column of the spine that leads to degenerative changes. And subsequently to dysfunction of the intervertebral disc.

 

What is to be feared?

It is known that the spine consists of vertebrae, between which are the intervertebral discs. The intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers and allow the adjacent vertebrae to come into contact. It happens that solid cartilage tissue penetrates into the vertebra that is adjacent to the intervertebral disc. This is intervertebral hernia Shmorlja.

As a consequence, may experience pain, but it is quite rare. Generally, this type of hernia does not affect the nerve ending. One patient may experience multiple hernias.

A minor violation of the boundaries of the vertebra nucleosyn the core is not a big problem. But if the penetration reaches the middle of the vertebrae – this is a serious cause for concern. Deep penetration increases the risk of failure of the disc or compression fracture in the spine during serious physical exertion.

Schmorl's nodule most often occur in the thoracic spine. Quite often hernias occur in the lumbosacral region. Most of these hernias (about 90%) localized on the lower levels (approximately the fourth or fifth vertebra). This disease can lead to partial or complete immobility of the patient, as well as constant pain and a life on drugs. In people with a diagnosis of schmorl's nodule in the thoracic spine there is a high possibility of arthritis and other similar diseases.

Affected with hernia of the thoracic spine in patients quite early loses its mobility. As a result increases the load on the joint between the vertebrae and inevitably develops arthrosis of the intervertebral joint.



When may occur the disease?

Schmorl's hernia may occur in an older person due to the decrease in density and strength of bone tissue (for age reasons). The young man , the disease may occur after a strong blow the vertical direction, and also when lifting weights.

Often it occurs at a young age, in the period of active growth of the child. It happens that the development of soft tissue much faster than bone tissue. For this reason, in the vertebrae appears empty, which forced the elements of the intervertebral discs.

Also to the development of schmorl's nodule can result in excessive physical activity at a young age. Especially this is facilitated by jumping from a height (e.g., trees). At the time of landing, the spine experiences severe decompression, it is able to trigger the development of a hernia. The insidiousness of the disease that emerged in childhood, the hernia may manifest their pain symptoms only in adulthood.

Parents must supervise children and be able to explain to them that jumping from a height (much higher than the growth of the child) can lead to quite serious consequences.

 

What symptoms will confirm that You have schmorl's hernia?

The most striking symptoms are regular pain in the back:

  • Pain can be amplified in the case of physical activity.
  • The pain emerging from prolonged sitting or standing.
  • Numbness of extremities (common in elderly).
  • Low back flexibility (people it is difficult to bend forward).
  • A decrease in pain symptoms while lying down.
 How to confirm the diagnosis for sure

Quite often patients themselves do not suspect about the disease. Usually, diagnosis occurs by chance during an x-ray of the spine. Hernia Shmorlja often assigned the status of x-ray symptom and not the disease. But this is not true.

Radiography is the most effective means of identifying this disease. MRI and CT usually ineffective, because they can be detected only normal intervertebral hernia.

In the case of a schmorl's nodule is necessary to do everything possible in order to reduce the negative impact of this disease.The main efforts should be directed at pain management and prevention of increase of the hernia. For this be required to be reduced physical activity, it is necessary to abandon any strength training.

Can be cured with medicines?

Upon detection of a schmorl's nodule doctors can prescribe drugs that should reduce inflammation and nourish the interarticular disks.

Medical treatment, really brings relief to patients. But, unfortunately, it only eliminates the symptoms and the disease develops and progresses. The same effect have painkillers and sedatives, electrotherapy and magnetic therapy.

 

What treatments are most effective?

The most effective methods of treatment of this disease are:

1. Massage.

2. Acupuncture.

3.Straightening the spine using a variety of oils that help restore the intervertebral discs.

4. Swimming and therapeutic exercises in the water.

5. The method of visualization (the person needs to imagine that his spine heals, the pain disappears).

 

Also interesting: on the door of the Vis – to rectify and straighten the spine

Syndrome clasps: how to recognize thoracic spine

 

Surgical intervention in this disease is required very rarely. When the diagnosis of vertebral hernia Shmorlja we recommend that you regularly engage in physical exercises that help to strengthen the muscle corset back. Especially good for patients procedure traction.

Conservative treatment becomes necessary in the case when there is a pain in the back. This is a signal development of the disease in a more serious form.published

 

P. S. And remember, only by changing their consumption — together we change the world! ©

Source: pozvonkoff.ru/gryizha-shmorlya-grudnogo-otdela-pozvonochnika-beda-ili-pustyak

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