Hernia of the spine: causes, symptoms and methods of treatment

The hernia of the spine is a fairly common disorder, which is considered relatively harmless. Deformity of the intervertebral discs is observed with a similar disease. However, the location of the disc relative to the vertebra does not change, so the risk of damage to the nerve roots or spinal cord is minimal.

With such a disease, the intervertebral disc is deformed in such a way that its part is literally "pressed" into the lower or upper vertebra. And although this pathology most often does not pose a threat to human life, in some cases it can be a harbinger of a full-fledged intervertebral hernia. That is why it is important to diagnose the disease in time and start treatment.

Hernia of the Schmorl spine and its causes

In fact, the reasons for the formation of vertical hernia to date have not been fully studied. Some experts believe that such a violation is exclusively hereditary and is related to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the vertebral body. On the other hand, the cause may be the rarefaction or softening of bone tissue that occurs with osteoporosis, demineralization of bones and some other diseases.

Risk factors also include severe and minor injuries to the spine. In some cases, the deformation is associated with a constant rise in weight.

It is interesting that the hernia of the spinal column is most often diagnosed in adolescence. In some cases, several deformed intervertebral discs are found during the X-ray examination.

What is dangerous for hernia spinal cord?

Most specialists quite reasonably consider this pathology harmless. Nevertheless, patients need to follow certain precautions, since a vertical hernia can lead to certain complications.

First, the introduction of foreign tissue into the body of the vertebra (in this case, cartilage elements of the discs) can cause inflammation and the appearance of a full hernia. Secondly, such damage increases the likelihood of a compression fracture, which is extremely dangerous.

Herniated Schmorl: the symptoms

In principle, such a disorder is rarely accompanied by any symptoms, and is most often detected by chance. However, some patients complain of discomfort, and sometimes back pain. Soreness, as a rule, increases during strong physical exertion. Long-term static pressure on the spine can also be responded with pain, which, however, passes if a person changes the position of the body or crouches for a few minutes.

Treatment of Schmorl's hernia

Fortunately, such a deformation is quite easily amenable to conservative therapy - surgical treatment is not required here. In the presence of pain and inflammation, patients are prescribed analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, in particular paracetamol and ibuprofen. In addition, drugs are used that improve blood circulation and trophism of the spinal tissues and protect the cartilage elements from degeneration.

An extremely important part of therapy is therapeutic gymnastics, which you need to practice regularly. With the help of correctly chosen exercises, you can not only stop the deformation process, but also strengthen the muscle corset, which will relieve tension from the spine. Massage will be useful. Often used and acupuncture.