Schmorl's hernia of the spine is a fairly common disorder, which is considered to be relatively harmless. With a similar disease, deformation of the intervertebral discs is observed. However, the location of the disk relative to the vertebra does not change, so the risk of damage to the nerve roots or spinal cord is minimal.
With such a disease, the intervertebral disc is deformed in such a way that part of it is literally “pressed” into the lower- or overlying vertebra. And although such a pathology most often does not pose a danger to human life, in some cases it can be a harbinger of a full
intervertebral hernia. That is why it is important to diagnose the disease in time and start treatment.
Schmorl's hernia of the spine and the causes of its occurrence
In fact, the causes of the formation of a vertical hernia are not fully understood to date. Some experts believe that such a violation is exclusively hereditary in nature and is associated with features of the anatomical structure of the vertebral body. On the other hand, the cause may be a rarefaction or softening of bone tissue, which occurs with osteoporosis, demineralization of bones and some other diseases.
Risk factors also include severe and slight injuries to the spinal column. In some cases, deformation is associated with a constant lifting of weights.
Interestingly, Schmorl's hernia of the spine is most often diagnosed in adolescence. In some cases, during an X-ray examination, several deformed intervertebral discs are immediately detected.
What is the danger of Schmorl's hernia of the spine?
Most experts rightly consider such a pathology to be harmless. However, patients need to take some precautions, since a vertical hernia can lead to certain complications.
Firstly, the introduction of foreign tissues into the vertebral body (in this case, the cartilage elements of the discs) can cause the inflammatory process and the appearance of a full hernia. Secondly, such injuries increase the likelihood of a compression fracture, which is extremely dangerous.
Spinal hernia: symptoms
In principle, such a violation is rarely accompanied by any symptoms, and is most often detected by accident. However, some patients complain of discomfort and sometimes back pain. Soreness, as a rule, increases during intense physical exertion. Prolonged static pressure on the spine can also respond to pain, which, however, disappears if a person changes his body position or lies down for several minutes.
Treatment of Schmorl hernia
Fortunately, such a deformation is quite easily amenable to conservative therapy - surgical treatment is not required here. In the presence of pain and inflammation, patients are prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, in particular paracetamol and ibuprofen. In addition, drugs are used that improve blood circulation and trophic tissue of the spine and protect cartilage elements from degeneration.
An extremely important part of therapy is therapeutic gymnastics, which must be practiced regularly. With the help of properly selected exercises, you can not only suspend the deformation process, but also strengthen the muscle corset, which will relieve tension from the spine. Massage will be helpful. Acupuncture is often used.