Question
My 15yr old son recently got diagnoised with having Schmorl's nodes. From his MRI the findings were: 1. Advanced disk degeneration at L2-3 with a large Schmorl's node through the inferior endplate of L2 anteriorly. This is not an acute intrabody distal herniation. 2. Less advanced degeneration disk changes at T12-L1 and L2.
My son has had back pain for a year and a half on and off. When he does have back pain it litterally puts him down. He is extremely atheletic and was into motorcross racing and snowmobiling. His doctors have been treating his tight muscles and have been working with him to do daily exercises. The problem is that it doesn't seem to be working. We do have an appt to see an Orthopedic Surgereon to see if he has any other suggestions. My son has goals and dreams, his plans for the future is to go in the armed forces. Is that a possibility? With his findings of the MRI, is there a treatment that can be done to possibly help? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Dear Jean,

I don't know why such an easy question was dumped in the question pool, I can only surmise you asked a lazy doctor. A Schmorls node is a herniated disc that migrates into the vertebral body, into the bone, which poses no clinical significance since there is no spinal cord compression. I suggest you research this online to get a graphic picture on what it looks like. I to raced MX for over 10 years and sustained multiple and various traumas. Your sons best bet to mitigate the disc degeneration is flexion/distraction. This rehydrates the discs while decompressing herniations non-invasively and is pain free. Check your local Chiro's for this specialized equipment, he should make a complete recovery. One more thing, an Orthopaedic surgeon will be of no help and should be avoided since they do surgery and your son in not a surgery candidate and most likely will end up with permanent disability.


Sincerely,
Dr. Timothy Durnin


P.S.

Please forward the doctor that you first posted your question too, it seems he is dumping all his questions in the question pool which is highly unethical. He needs to be reported. Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated, thank you!


I will keep the name in the strictest confidence, please send me the name to my e-mail. [email protected].

The physician in question dumped most if not all his questions in the pool so other physicians could answer them, this is not only unfair but adds an extra burden on the other doctors. If he doesn't want to volunteer, then he should quit!