Louisiana Pain Specialists
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Annular Tear

An annular tear is a small tear in the outer layer of a spinal disc, which sits between the bones (vertebrae) of the spine. These discs act as cushions, helping the spine move smoothly and absorb shock. Each disc has a tough, fibrous outer layer and a soft, gel-like inner layer. An annular tear happens when the outer layer is damaged due to aging, wear and tear, or injury. Because this outer layer contains nerves, a tear can be painful—especially when the inner gel-like material leaks out and irritates nearby nerves, causing inflammation and discomfort with movement. While some annular tears heal on their own, others may lead to chronic pain and require treatment.

Annular Tear Symptoms and Causes

The main symptom of annular tear is back or neck pain. This pain can be worse when sitting than standing. The pain can worsen after coughing, sneezing, bending forward, or lifting. People with annular tears may also experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms and/or legs. Sometimes, a person with an annular tear experiences no symptoms at all.

Causes of Annular Tears

An annular tear could be caused by degeneration (breakdown) of intervertebral disk due to normal aging processes. Or a traumatic injury, usually due to high-impact sports or motor vehicle accident.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your doctor will carry out a physical exam to try to determine the source of your pain. They are likely to order an MRI to be able to visualize the tear. Sometimes annular tears cannot be seen on MRI results. In this case, the doctor may carry out a discography, a procedure in which dye is injected into the intervertebral disk to determine if it is damaged.

Annular Tear Treatment Options

  • Cold, then hot compresses
  • Physical Therapy
  • Epidural Injections

Louisiana Pain Specialists Offers Relief From Annular Tear

An annular tear can be a painful and debilitating condition, but with the right treatment approach, relief is possible. At Louisiana Pain Specialists, our providers are dedicated to providing personalized care to help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life. Whether through conservative treatments, interventional pain management, or advanced therapies, we tailor our approach to meet your unique needs. If you're experiencing persistent back pain and suspect an annular tear, contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.