What causes endplate degeneration?

What causes endplate degeneration?

The cartilaginous layer of the vertebral endplate also helps maintain the form and function of the disc. Damage to the vertebral end plate may cause pain and speed up disc degeneration. When a discectomy surgery is performed, the vertebral end plates are removed along with the disc.

Are endplate changes painful?

Modic type I endplate change is the most controversial and important of the three types described (see Modic endplate change). It is seen on MRI of the spine and represents the presence of low T1 and high T2 signal within the bone marrow of a vertebral body adjacent to a disk. Type 1 change can enhance and be painful.

What are endplate Schmorl’s nodes?

Schmorl nodes, classically known as intravertebral disc herniations, were first described by Schmorl in 1927 [1]. Schmorl nodes represent a herniation or an extrusion of the intervertebral disc nuclear material through the vertebral body endplate, with displacement of this material into the adjacent vertebral body [2].

Can walking help degenerative disc disease?

Aerobic exercise. Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, or taking a low-impact aerobics class, has been shown to help relieve pain, promote a healthy body weight, and improve overall strength and mobility—all important factors in managing DDD.

How are Modic changes diagnosed?

Modic, who was the first Doctor to identify and classify degenerative endplate changes and marrow changes surrounding the intervertebral disc. On MRI demonstrates signal intensity changes during the degeneration process, whether it be fat, oedema or sclerosis.

Are Schmorl nodes cancerous?

Schmorl’s nodes (SNs) are a common entity that may occur spontaneously or secondary to some benign/malignant pathology. It is characterized by protrusion of intervertebral disc material through a break in the subchondral end plate of a vertebral body.

Is Schmorl’s Node serious?

In most cases, Schmorl’s nodes are asymptomatic, but in some instances, they can lead to lower back pain due to inflammation of the surrounding bone. Diagnosis of Schmorl’s nodes is typically achieved through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Most Schmorl’s nodes are painless and do not require any medical treatment.

What causes Modic changes in spine?

Modic type 1 change represents bone marrow oedema and inflammation; Modic type 2 change represents marrow ischemia and the conversion of normal red haemopoietic bone marrow into yellow fatty marrow [1]; and Modic type 3 change is rare and represents of subchondral bone sclerosis [2].