Schmörl’s nodes are herniations of intervertebral disk material through areas of weakness in the endplate. The endplate defect may occur during development or from traumatic lesions caused by compressive vertebral loads.

The weakened endplate of the vertebra has less resistance to the expansive pressure of the adjacent nucleus pulposus during the herniation and causes a defect in the vertebrate itself.

Often, the schmorl node can be considered a fracture of the vertebra and that is best diagnosed in cooperation between the clinician and the radiologist.

The schmorl node is a fairly common finding upon radiological evaluation, and MRI would be required to determine if it is traumatic.

Disc Centers of America, works with disc cases all over the world. Only DCOA doctors are certified to utilize TDC Therapy. DCOA doctors receive ongoing training, research and are acknowledged by the International Medical Advisory Board on Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and the International Disc Education Association.

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