Case study 99 - Dr. Grunch explains diagnosis and treatment of Schmorl’s node

Schmorl’s nodes are herniations of nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc through the cartilaginous and bony endplate into the adjacent vertebra. Schmorl’s nodes are extremely common and are typically seen as incidental findings on radiographic imaging. In postmortem studies, it has been estimated that greater than 70% of the population has Schmorl’s nodes. Rarely, however, Schmorl’s nodes can be a cause of acute back pain and, even less often, radiculopathy.

[@willsutton3184]

I just got my mri back and I have a left sided schmorls node with surrounding bone marrow edema. I initially felt the symptoms when I was at the gym doing squats. I have constant lower left back pain that hasn’t gone away in 7 months. I’ve done physical therapy for a couple weeks since I got my mri, which does dull the pain, but it comes back if I do any activities besides walking.

[@dattebayo999]

Thank you Dr. Grunch! I love learning about the body would love more videos like these. Great content.

[@AmyKins0821]

I have a few schmorls nodes. 2 are so bad, they have fractured vertebrae which causes chronic pain. They are also in my thoracic spine and have been told I am not able to have surgery. I believe this happened after a cesarean delivery of my son in 11/2021. He was over 10 pounds and they pushed HARD on my to squeeze him out.

[@HarryPotter_Lxver]

I dont know if you will respond to this or not, but i got an x-ray and was diagnosed with schmorls nodes this year. it has been hurting for about a year and a half since the all of a sudden pain. i ice it and heat it occasionally but not much helps. I have tried medication too. I have even gone to a chiropractor which helps it for around 2 weeks. But at the same time don't know if it's to the point of surgery. What should I do?

[@luzposada829]

Does ankyloosing spondylitis cause this?

[@lindaarmstrongjackman9788]

It is good that is most often can be managed conservatively. Thanks 😊👍👍

[@CognosGoddess]

My husband has one of these. Caused by a ladder falling on top of his head. He has numbness/lack of sensation on the front of his legs, but not much else.