Sports Medicine: Schmorl's Nodes

A Schmorl’s node is a bulge (protrusion) of the jelly-like contents of the vertebral disc into the growth cartilage of bone (vertebra) above or below the disc. The disc acts like a cushion and shock absorber between the spinal column (vertebrae). It most often occurs in the mid-back in adolescents because at this age the spine is still growing and more at risk of injury.

Signs and Symptoms

  • many times there are no symptoms
  • occasional aching back
  • muscle spasms or stiffness of back muscles

Increased Risk

  • sports that increase downward pressure or spine twisting (gymnastics, football)
  • males
  • adolescents
  • motor vehicle accident
  • family history of back pain or disc disorder
  • poor lifting techniques or sitting with poor posture for long periods

Treatment

  • Medicine can help with inflammation and pain.
    • Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®) may be recommended. Take these as directed by your health care provider.
    • Other minor pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®).
    • Oral steroids or a steroid injection may be recommended to reduce swelling.
  • Cold and heat may be used.
    • Cold should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours for swelling and after any activity that makes symptoms worse. Use ice packs or an ice massage.
    • Heat may be used before performing stretching and strengthening activities prescribed by your health care provider or athletic trainer. Use a heat pack or warm soak. Apply for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Exercises to improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility may be recommended. These can be done at home but often a referral to a physical therapist or athletic trainer may be prescribed by your health care provider.
  • Bracing may be helpful in some cases to decrease pain.
  • In more severe cases that do not get better with bracing or rehab exercises, surgery may be needed.

How to Prevent

  • Do correct warm-up and stretching before practice or competition.
  • Use proper lifting and posture techniques when lifting or sitting for long periods.
  • Maintain proper conditioning, back and hamstring flexibility, muscle strength and endurance and cardiovascular fitness.
  • Maintain a proper body weight.

When to Call the Health Care Provider

Call your health care provider or the Sports Medicine team at (614) 355-6000 if:

  • symptoms get worse after 2 to 4 weeks, even with treatment
  • you develop numbness, weakness or loss of bowel or bladder functions
  • new, unexplained symptoms develop

 

Sports Medicine: Schmorl's Nodes (PDF)

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