What Is A Schmorl Node?

Everyone has heard of a disc herniation, but not everyone has heard of a Schmorl node. These nodes have nothing to do with tasty Smores; but it is helpful to think about Smores. In fact, a Schmorl node is a type of disc herniation. The spine is comprised of multiple boney blocks called vertebral bodies (the graham cracker). In between the vertebral bodies lies the spinal disc (the marshmallow). When the disc balloons past its normal position, this is called a herniation. Usually the disk material is projected out the sides in a gooey mess, but occasionally the disk material is projected up or down through the shell of the vertebral body. This forms indentations in the end plate of the vertebral body. The indentations in the bone are called Schmorl nodes. Those with weak bones from osteoporosis are very likely to have this type of disc herniation. Those with Scheuermann disease have three or more consecutive, large Schmorl nodes in the thoracic spine which cause the characteristic collapsed (kyphotic) curve. Not so tasty. So, next time you are sitting around a campfire eating Smores, impress your friends with your knowledge about Schmorl nodes.

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Back and Neck by drlasich