Global Spine J 2012;2:159–168.

Herniation of disk material through the end plates and into the vertebral body is a relatively common pathological con-dition known as a “Schmorl's node ” (SN). These nodes are usually found incidentally during imaging studies for degen-erative disorders or traumatic conditions of the lumbar spine.1 However, in a minority of cases, patient symptoms have been attributed to acute SN formations; these nodes are usually traumatic in nature.2Minor trauma may be the cause of SN in osteoporotic patients as the result of the weakened end plate surface microfractures.1,2 Trauma-related sport injuries of the spine have been extensively described in the literature. Swimming is among the sports that may cause spinal injuries. The most common mechanism of injury involves axial loading of the cervical spine, which then causes injury to the bones and spinal cord.