Hernia Schmorl: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

In the late 20s of the last century, a German pathologist named Shmorl described the herniation of the intervertebral disc penetrating the dorsal bone. It has characteristic protrusions and protuberances, sometimes exerting pressure on the nerve endings. As a result, there is pain in the back, sciatica. This type is usually located in the thoracic or lumbar spine (in the middle or lower back).

• Causes
• Symptoms of the disease
• Herniated Schmorl of the lumbar spine
• Thoracic spine
• Cervical hernia
• Treatment with folk remedies
• Eggshell
• Compresses
• Burdock
• Baths
• Ointment
• Chopping
• Treatment with medicines
• Caripazim
• Exercises
• Prevention of disease

Such nodes can stay in the body for a long time without manifesting any symptoms. In some cases, a hernia may appear edema that does not disappear for a long time (from 6 months to several years). At survey them reveal approximately at 30% of the population. Let's learn in more detail what Shmorl's hernia is, its symptoms and how to treat it.

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Causes

In most patients, such hernias appear after severe physical exertion or trauma, which causes the exit of a part of the nucleus through the outer part of the disc. Or they arise in childhood, when the growth of the soft tissues of a child outstrips the growth of bones. At this time, voids may appear in the vertebrae, which are then filled with bulges of the vertebral discs.

1. Most gymnasts have such a disease. This is facilitated by a hard landing after jumping, especially if it was committed to the buttocks.
2. Sometimes the appearance factors are bone diseases, dystrophy, tumors or disk infections.
3. Its occurrence may be due to genetic predisposition, age changes and other age or biochemical processes.

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Symptoms of the disease

Not always knots Schmorl cause pain. However, not all so simply because this disease is insidious. Even if there is no pressure on the sensitive structures, there may still be deviations from the norm to some extent. Therefore, it is important to know the first symptoms of a spinal hernia.

A white spot can be evidence of a recently appeared node from a bruise or trauma in an X-ray examination. It accumulates fluid, through the damaged bone from the disk's core. Such a hernia is painful. The pain is usually felt in the lower back and does not give in the leg, as with a typical hernia of the spine. Painful feelings can persecute a person for several years, affecting the quality of life.

In chronic course, even if there was no edema at first, they appear with time. Infection penetrates deep into the disk. There are other pathologies, including age, the spine becomes more vulnerable, deforming changes occur.

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Herniated Schmorl of the lumbar spine

With this pathology, in the lower back, in one or more vertebrae, the intervertebral disc is pushed into the adjacent one. This manifestation itself is not dangerous, but the consequences can be quite serious. At an early stage, this may not even be felt. There is only a certain limitation in the movement of that part of the vertebra where the nodule appeared.

Important!Umbilical hernia, what it is and how it manifests itself, find out in our article.

The appearance of a hernia in this part of the spine can be caused by an individual feature. In some cases, this is only determined by X-rays. In the future, such a pathology can lead to immobilization of the damaged vertebra.

The cartilaginous tissue pressed into the adjacent vertebra does not protrude into the intervertebral discs, so there is no compression of the spinal cord. Due to the fact that the maximum load on the spine is made on the lumbar region, the probability of a Schmorl hernia at this place is the highest.

Keep in mind!Constant uncomplicated motor load on the spine provides it with blood and nutrients, preventing the appearance of a hernia. About the treatment of hernia lumbar spine in the article.

Thoracic spine

This pathology of the vertebrae can affect any of the twelve thoracic vertebrae. The German doctor on the X-ray photographs saw white fragments in the body of the vertebrae. He noted that such manifestations in the thoracic part often have a hereditary character of occurrence.

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Hernia of this area is the most rare manifestation of the disease. In the absence of pain syndrome, it is revealed in the chest radiograph. The penetration of the intervertebral discs into the spongy structure of the bone is evident, in the pictures in the form of a lighter shade. The disease itself is not life-threatening, but its complications lead to severe lesions (osteochondrosis, Bekhterev's disease, etc.).

The causes of the onset can be as a hereditary predisposition of endocrine diseases (diabetes, hypothyroidism, Itenko-Cushing's syndrome) and large physical exertion, especially in childhood, weight lifting and obesity.

Important!If other pathological changes are added to the hernias of Schmorl, pain appears in the thoracic spine with the turn of the trunk, deep inspiration, while moving with the hands.

Cervical hernia

The appearance of such a feature in the cervical vertebra is the most rare phenomenon. In itself, such a pathology is not a serious disease - it is only a manifestation of disorders in the structure of the vertebrae and is the forerunner of serious problems. If they are identified, preventive measures can be taken in advance to prevent the occurrence of complications.

An x-ray picture of the spine shows that the intervertebral disc is located between the hyaline cartilage formed by pathological changes. Closure plates with arisen hernia of the cervical spine alter its shape. A cartilaginous triangle forms at the base of which the disc is located, and the upper part is pressed into the body of the adjacent vertebra.

In the risk group are people who have a genetic predisposition to this, as well as those who have had heavy physical activity especially at an early age. The likelihood of their occurrence is high, if there is scoliosis, kyphosis or spinal injury.

Treatment with folk remedies

Measures, in the treatment of a spinal hernia folk remedies aimed at reducing inflammation and recovery of bone structure. Since the main cause of Schmorl's hernia is the destruction of the osseous part of the vertebrae, a good way of getting rid of is the use of a sufficient amount of calcium. Traditional medicine for this case has methods of strengthening bones with the help of an egg shell.

Important!Treatment of a spinal hernia without surgery at home can be done only with the consent of the doctor!

Eggshell

The drug is prepared from the shells of 50 eggs. After thoroughly washing and drying, they must be ground into a powdery mass, pour 0.5 liters of lemon juice and 1 cup of natural honey. Every morning you need to eat 1 tbsp. l. of this facility. In addition to the restoration of bone tissue, it helps to strengthen the entire body due to the intake of vitamin C and the therapeutic and prophylactic properties of honey. In addition to this, physical exercise is required.

Compresses

If the Schmorl hernia accompanies pain, it is recommended to apply compresses. Use a pack of potatoes and horseradish. Rub these ingredients and spread the area near the diseased vertebra. Cover with polyethylene or compress paper and wrap it. Keep it for several hours, but if the composition is very irritating to the skin, causing burning, then remove it before the set time.

Burdock

Remove the inflammation helps the burdock leaf. Attach the freshly cut sheets to the sore spot and attach them, wrapped around with a towel or cloth. Do not get too tight - this will prevent the free flow of blood to the vertebrae.

Baths

A time-tested method with Schmorl's hernia is the taking of baths. Effectively alternate coniferous bath with turpentine. Prepare coniferous concentrate from 1 liter can of crushed needles of a fur-tree or a pine and three liters of water. Boil the mixture for 30 minutes, strain and pour into the tub. For a turpentine bath, 1 tbsp is sufficient. l. turpentine on a bath of water.

Ointment

An effective remedy for traditional medicine with such a hernia is ointment. Its preparation consists in careful mixing of the ingredients:

• 1 hour l. mummy;
• 2 garlic teeth;
• 3 tbsp. l. natural honey bees;
• 1 hour l. turpentine;
• 100-120 g of horse fat.

The method of its application is simple enough - you need to rub your place on the damaged vertebrae every day before going to bed.

Chopping

Inflammation near the vertebra is removed by rubbing. Prepares the rubbing by the method of infusing medicinal herbs (dandelion and sabelnik roots, horse chestnut and hemlock seeds). All herbs should be in equal quantities. After grinding, they are placed in a half-liter jar and poured with alcohol. After two weeks, the flour is ready. Rinsing should be approximately 15 minutes. Then you need to wrap a scarf with a warmed-up massage place and go to bed. It is better to do the procedure before going to bed.

Treatment with medicines

The operating method for this pathology is not used. But in order to stop the pernicious process, drugs are used to anesthetize, relieve inflammation and strengthen both bone tissue and the entire body. Medication can be performed at home.

1. With the defeat of the vertebrae, which causes pain, apply Ketanov, Naise and some other drugs.
2. Appeared inflammatory processes are removed with the appointment of medications Voltaren, Dmiklafenak, Ibuprofen.
3. To strengthen the bone tissue, in order to stop the destructive process, vitamin D is prescribed, as well as preparations containing calcium - Alostin, Calcitomin, etc. They should be taken in dosage, as the overabundance of substances included in the drugs adversely affects the body.
4. To facilitate the assimilation of vitamin D, fish oil is prescribed.

Caripazim

This drug is designed to treat intervertebral hernias, burns, arthritis. It is made from papaya. It is produced in the form of a powder, from which a solution is prepared before use.

For the treatment of a hernia, electrophoresis using Caripazima is used. The therapeutic substance of this drug has the ability to accumulate in damaged intervertebral discs. The application helps to heal the disk sheath, and also increases its elasticity. Also, the drug has anti-edematous properties and improves blood circulation.

Exercises

In the complex of therapeutic measures with hernias Shmorlja includes exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the spine. The applied physical activity should be directed to the development of muscles:

• press;
• buttocks and back;
• hands and chest.

In this pathology, physical exercises in the pool are considered ideal. They not only relieve pain, but also ensure the maintenance of the spinal column in the right position.

One of the simple and effective exercises that can be done without any adaptations:

1. Lie down on the floor and raise your legs, touch the socks of the litter behind your head.
2. To begin such an exercise is recommended with five repetitions, gradually bringing to 20.
3. The inhalation is made at the beginning of the movement, and the breath at the highest point of raising the legs.

Prevention of disease

Preventive methods include maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

• proper nutrition;
• swimming;
• daily morning exercise;
• massage application.

Excess weight can also contribute to the appearance of a hernia of the spine, including the hernia of Schmorl. Watch your weight and stay healthy.