Annular Tear
An annular tear is a tear in the ligament that connects your vertebra to your disc. This ligament surrounds the nucleus of your disc with a strong ring of cartilage fibers called the annulus fibrous. The nucleus of your disc is a soft, jelly like substance that acts as a shock absorber for your body. It is made to degenerate slowly over time as it endures daily impact and stress.
Types of Annular Tears
1. RADIAL TEAR
2. PERIPHERAL TEAR
3. CONCENTRIC TEAR
What are the symptoms of an Annular Tear?
• Back Pain
• Neck Pain
• Radiating Pain
• Sciatic Pain
• A sensation along spine or sciatic nerve
• Muscle weakness
• Tingling and numbness in arms or legs
What Causes an Annular Tear?
Along with aging, a tear can also be caused by:
• Traumatic event such as car accident or sports injury
• Improper lifting or movement
• Repetitive motions such as lifting or twisting
• Sitting for extended periods of time such as working at a desk
• Carrying excess body weight
A tear may be associated with other spine conditions such as:
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Herniated Disc
• Spinal Stenosis
• Sciatica
• Spondylosis
• Neck Pain
• Back Pain
How is an Annular Tear Treated?
• Physical Therapy
• Message Therapy
• Medication
• TENS Therapy
• Epidural Steroid Injections
