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Annular Tear: Causes and Symptoms

About This Blog:

Causes

An annular tear is a crack or fissure that develops on the outer shell of an intervertebral disc. Unfortunately, annular tears usually occur from the natural aging process, but there are other factors that may contribute to an annular tear. Below are other causes of an annular tear:

  • Traumatic injury
  • Injury from high-impact sports
  • Damage from a strenuous occupation

Symptoms

The exterior of the annulus fibrosus has many nerve endings, which could cause major discomfort for those who experience a tear. If the tear progresses, a herniated disc may develop. A combination of symptoms may arise from an annular tear progressing into a herniated disc, like:

  • Moderate to severe chronic pain
  • Weakness in the arms or legs
  • Tingling or numbness

Treatment

For minor cases of an annular tear, treatment may not be necessary because most will heal on their own. Nevertheless, conservative treatment options like medication or injections may be suggested to help manage pain and discomfort. If the condtion worsens and becomes a herniated disc, patients may want to consider minimally invasive spine surgery. Surgery for herniated discs may include:

Dr. Mark Giovanini of NeuroMicroSpine will design and perform a minimally spine surgery that is right for you and your current condition. Call NeuroMicroSpine today to learn more about treatment for an annular tear or herniated spinal disc.

For more information on minimally invasive spine surgery or to make an appointment with Dr. Giovanini, please call (850) 934-7545 or visit http://www.neuromicrospine.com/request-appointment. We hope to see you soon!

The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.