Schmorl's hernia

Schmorl's hernia is a condition in which the intervertebral disc material penetrates through the endplate into the vertebral body. Such hernias are not uncommon in elderly individuals due to age-related decreases in bone strength and density. In young people, this phenomenon may occur as a result of a strong vertical impact, or due to certain diseases, or after lifting heavy objects (overloading the spinal column).

Symptoms of Schmorl's Hernia

The first (and sometimes the only external) sign of Schmorl’s hernia is reduced mobility in the affected spinal segment. As a consequence, increased stress is placed on the intervertebral joints, which can lead to early development of arthritic changes.

Causes of Schmorl's Hernia

In the vast majority of cases, this condition is genetically determined (hereditary). Sometimes, it can be triggered by rapid growth in children — fast stretching of soft tissues while bones lag behind, resulting in decreased bone tissue density of the vertebral body.

Schmorl’s hernias can also develop due to reduced mineral density of the vertebral bodies (as seen in osteoporosis). Bone strength and mineral density greatly depend on the development of the vertebral capillary network, which weakens significantly with posture disorders and spinal curvature (round back, flat back, kyphosis, scoliosis). In addition, these conditions cause changes in the biomechanics of individual segments and the spine as a whole, further contributing to the overall pathology.

Diagnosis

For diagnosis of Schmorl's hernia, X-rays, CT scan, or MRI are used.

Treatment

• Radon baths, dry carbonic acid baths.
• Heat therapy using galvanogly mud and paraffin-ozokerite applications.
• Electrophoresis with CARIPAIN Plus.
• Ultrasound with CARIPAIN cream, topical application of CARIPAIN gel.
• Computerized traction of lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine sections, fixed with a belt and Schanz collar.
• Intratissue electrostimulation according to Gerasimov’s method for complex nerve damage and pain syndrome.
• CO₂ gas injections.
• Darsonvalization.
• Magnetotherapy.
• Amplipulse therapy.
• Diadynamic therapy.
• Interferential current therapy.
• Light therapy using magnet-infrared laser, Bioptron, Korobov's photonic polychromatic matrix.
• Manual or vacuum massage.
• Manual therapy (post-isometric relaxation).
• Therapeutic exercises in traction-training mode. Strengthening of back extensor muscles.
• Exercises with an instructor on the Yevminov trainer.
• Use of Heel pharmaceuticals – Zeel T, Traumeel S, Discus Compositum, Ubichinon, Lymphomyosot.
• Blockades with Mydocalm for myofascial syndromes and piriformis muscle syndrome.
• Anti-osteoporotic therapy if necessary.
• Chondroprotective therapy.