Comprehensive Physiotherapeutic Approach in Managing Lumbar Schmorl’s Node: A Case Report

Schmorl’s nodes are indicative of Intervertebral Disc (IVD) protrusion into the vertebral body, with epidemiological predominance of 76% amongst males. The condition is usually asymptomatic with rare presentation of pain in few cases, making Non steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and physiotherapeutic management as typical line of treatment. Although physiotherapy is helpful in this condition, studies are scarce with set physiotherapeutic interventions lacking. This case report presents a 30- year-old male having lower back ache (LBA) with Schmorl’s nodes at the superior endplate of L3 vertebral disc. Therefore, this case report highlights the importance of a comprehensive physiotherapeutic approach including a combination of electrotherapy, manual therapy, exercise therapy, and education on posture as well as ergonomics. Significant improvement in Low Back Pain (LBP) {Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)}, strength of core and lower extremity {Manual Muscle Testing (MMT)}, functional outcome {Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)} and Quality of Life (QoL) {Short Form Health Survey (SF-36)} were noted after six weeks of intervention. Further research is warranted to validate the effectiveness of this approach in a larger patient population.