Schmorl's hernia of lumbar spine: treatment, symptoms, photos

What is schmorl's hernia of the lumbar spine (schmorl's nodule) was first described by German physician Christian Smilem in 1927. The disease itself is not dangerous, but sometimes a hernia of this type becomes the reason of falling of the intervertebral discs in the vertebra and disruption of their functionality.

Small schmorl's nodule, which are formed in the region of the lumbar usually do not bother and do not require surgical treatment. However, the discovery of a large hernia should refrain from significant physical activity, to reduce the risk of compression fractures. The vertebrae in the lumbosacral region are maximum loads, so schmorl's nodule most likely cause of the fracture.

Reasons

Hernia Shmorlja, in most cases, is hereditary. While in the lumbar are multiple schmorl's nodules. But there are also other reasons of a hernia Shmorlja:

• Osteoporosis, leading to deterioration of the nutrition of the intervertebral discs;
• Scoliosis, stoop, kyphosis;
• Different spinal injuries (bruises, fractures, falls);
• Changes in bone tissue;
• Excess weight contributing to increased stress on the spine, particularly the lower back;
• Great physical exertion;
• A sedentary way of life.

Most often a hernia Shmorlja find:

• In children and adolescents;
• In the elderly;
• Athletes, whose lessons are accompanied by constant back injuries.

Since most disease has no symptoms and does not cause discomfort, it is revealed by accident. Usually a hernia is diagnosed when conducting a magnetic resonance or computer survey. Sometimes patients concerned about discomfort in the lower back, sacrum, numbness in the toes, weakness in the back.

• See also: treatment of herniated lumbar spine.

Treatments

What are the treatments if you were diagnosed with schmorl's hernia of the lumbar spine, decides podiatrist individually. This takes into account:

• The number and sizes;
• Localization;
• The condition of the bone tissue;
• A way of life.

Suggest to read: treatment of schmorl's hernia of the thoracic spine.

Usually when schmorl's hernia of the lumbar spine, the treatment is conservative ways, and only in cases of serious complications have to resort to surgery. The most effective are:

• Different types of massage;
• Physiotherapy;
• Manual therapy;
• Physiotherapy.

Hernia Smrole does not require the use of medicines. But if you have pain the doctor may prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications. To reduce pain you can apply heat ointments and plasters.

Massage

To improve metabolic processes in the tissues, strengthen bone and skeletal muscle, in the treatment of schmorl's nodule in the lumbar spine, is often used health massage. With the help of massage cannot fix the indentation, and enhance the blood flow in the lumbar area. It can be used as a primary treatment or as an extra for other methods. Hernia Shmorlja applies soothing, kneading techniques massage herniation of the lumbar spine. The main thing to remember is that to carry out the procedure can only be a specialist.

Physiotherapy

The therapeutic sports center (physical therapy) is considered one of the most effective methods of prevention and treatment of schmorl's nodules. Therapeutic exercises relieve stress in the lumbar spine, strengthen back muscles, with this load on the intervertebral discs decreases. The complex should consist of smooth relaxed exercises which exclude sharp movements and jumping. So yoga, Pilates, Oriental gymnast would be the most appropriate.

To start classes LFK should with easy exercises, gradually increasing intensity and complexity. Time of training is necessary to listen carefully to the sensations. If you feel pain or excessive muscle tension in the lumbar region, you should stopexecution. Ideally, for each patient, the attending physician should be prescribed an individual complex. But usually for training it is recommended that the base, which consists of exercises aimed at stretching the back muscles and strengthening them. As the main we can recommend five simple exercises. Run, which can be almost anyone. The complex is suitable for self-study.

1. Initial position lying on his stomach, arms stretched along the head, legs straight. Right arm and left leg lifted from the floor, the back muscles when performing exercises tense. Leg and arm should be parallel to the floor. Fix this position for six seconds. About six return to the starting position. Take a couple of seconds. Next, you should repeat the exercise with the other arm and leg. All you need to perform 3 sets.
2. The initial state is the same as in the first exercise. Only in this case both legs and arms up simultaneously. Pull them parallel to the floor and hold this position for 5 seconds. Then relax for 3 seconds in the initial position. Repeat 3 times.
3. In the initial lying on your stomach, interlock hands in the lock on the back of the head. Tighten your back and lift upper body, feet pressed to the floor. Stay in this position for some time. The first time it will be enough 2-3 seconds, gradually hold 6-8 seconds. The number of sets is three.
4. For exercise, you must get on your knees and hands to rest on the floor. Then alternately raise your legs, the sock looks down. Do the exercises slowly, fixing for two seconds each leg in the raised position. For the first time will be enough to make three repeats, in the future, it is recommended to do for each leg for 9 times.
5. Lie on your back with arms stretched along the body, this will be the starting position. Then lift up your legs perpendicular to the floor. Try and fix this position for 8 seconds. Return to the starting, relax and repeat 2 more times. As a lightweight, raised legs bent at the knees. Most importantly, keep the lower back tight against the floor. If you experience discomfort in the lower back should postpone the exercise.

For patients with schmorl's nodule of suitable aerobic, swimming. A good effect can be obtained if physical therapy, alternated with massage.

• Read: yoga with a herniated lumbosacral

Physical therapy

Not less effective to deal with schmorl's nodule in the lumbar help of physiotherapy techniques. It can be:

• Electrical stimulation on the lower back is exposed to a current of low frequency;
• Magnetic therapy, as stimulants are special magnetic plates;
• Acupuncture;
• Hardware stretching, special massage tables;
• Therapeutic baths;
• Hidden hood;
• Hydromassage;
• Warming.

Some of these procedures can be performed at home. For example, at home you can do coniferous and essential bath warming. A hot compress can be made from a tincture on alcohol (0.5 l) dandelion (50 grams) and chestnuts (50 grams).

Manual therapy

Recently gaining popularity of hernia treatment with the help of manual therapy. Developed and applied many different methods by which the hands of a specialist-a chiropractor can cure disease. Very often, chiropractic is a great alternative to the traditional treatment. But it is worth remembering that to carry out the procedure should only specialist. It is best to apply to chiropractors who work legally. Because if not correctly performed manipulation can worsen your condition or remain disabled.

Prevention of complications

People who have hernia Smrole in the lumbar spine, can lead normal life. But in order to minimize complications should:

• To reduce excessive physical exertion;
• To avoid heavy lifting;
• Move more;
• Maintaining a healthy diet;
• Try to get rid of excess weight;
• To stop Smoking;
• To orthopaedic furniture.

It is worth remembering that if you experience severe pain you should as soon as possible to consult a doctor. After all, when serious complications, though rare, but may need surgery.