Definition of Schmorl's node

Schmorl's node: An upward and downward protrusion (pushing into) of a spinal disk's soft tissue into the bony tissue of the adjacent vertebrae. Schmorl's nodes, which are common, especially with minor degeneration of the aging spine, are detectable via X-ray as spine abnormalities. Schmorl's nodes are most common in the middle and lower spine. Schmorl's nodes usually cause no symptoms, but they reflect that 'wear and tear' of the spine has occurred over time.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=14007
Last Editorial Review: 3/19/2012