How to Manage Pain Due to Schmorl’s Nodes Root Disorder
Schmorl’s Nodes (also called martosacral discs) are tiny, pear-shaped masses that lie deep within the joint cavity between the bones. The area between the bone and the spine houses Schmorl’s nodes, which allow nerves from the spine to pass through the joint cavity and head to the brain. Nerve endings of all bone structures in the human body, including the spine, contain Schmorl’s nodes. Schmorl’s nodes are named such because they resemble a snail shell. When damage occurs to these discs, pain can result.
Schmorl’s Nodes are Located
Schmorl’s Nodes are located on the inner side of each spinal disc, between the annulus fibrosus and the cervical spine. They are called “spongy” because the nucleus should lie within the annulus fibrosus, not within the schmorloids. However, some discs do retain part of the nucleus within them, resulting in “open” or “sub-par” Schmorloid discs. In this case, the pain caused is caused by damage to the internal nucleus.
The location of the nodes makes them particularly vulnerable to endplate fractures, which can occur in the course of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis, as well as in Schmorlismus. This leads to swelling and rupture of the disc tissues. The presence of additional discs at this site makes the problem worse.
Treatment of Schmorl’s Nodes
In addition to occasional headaches, pain, numbness, and tingling, the symptoms experienced with asymptomatic nodes can be more severe. Pain can spread to other areas of the lower spine as the disease progresses. Movement of the neck and back becomes difficult due to nerve compression. Spinal fusion, another treatment option, may also be affected, with the possible compromise of spinal integrity.
Asymptomatic Nodes
Asymptomatic nodes are a far more common condition than is thought at the present time. Anecdotally, patients may assume that their pain is coming from one of the affected vertebrae when it is in fact the degenerating intervertebral disc herniation causing the pain. Anecdotal evidence also supports the idea that asymptomatic intervertebral disc herniations can be common. However, it is unclear from clinical studies how many people have symptoms that correlate with the presence of an intervertebral disc herniation, which can then lead to degenerative disc disease.
Intervertebral Disc
Schmorliker’s sign can be defined as a “weak to severe pain across the inner side of the thigh and ankle and across the adjacent vertebral bodies”. The condition is characterized by the presence of a herniated nucleus pulposus, which can result in fibrosis and osteophytes. Due to the location and position of the nucleus pulposus within the nucleus of the intervertebral disc. Which is structurally very similar to other structures nearby, it can be difficult to assess the actual herniated nucleus pulposus. In addition to this difficulty, it is also difficult to completely remove the nucleus pulposus, even with surgery, because the process of degeneration requires access to an area of intense pressure.
Schmorl’s Nodes
Schmorl’s nodes are described as being a combination of irregularly shaped masses on the outer and inner sides of the shinbone. Although there are many different techniques in which to treat the school’s nodules. The most common technique used today is the application of a transverse pressure plate (TSP), or intervertebral disc pressure plate (IVP). The IVP is more invasive than a standard VHEP and is particularly useful for treating larger nodules.
Herniated Nucleus Pulposus
As previously mentioned, pain resulting from the presence of a herniated nucleus pulposus is very difficult to control with traditional conservative treatment options. However, in some cases where the source of pain originates from other areas of the back or leg. Surgical treatment may be the only option. Moreover, pain due to herniated nucleus pulposus can also be treated using ultrasound-guided laser surgery. Whichever surgical treatment is applied to relieve pain due to the school’s node. It is important to discuss the options with a medical professional, as the type of surgery. Whether open or laparoscopic, can affect the future ability to stand and walk due to a weakness in the affected region.
