Annular Tear

• Radial tears: This type of tear begins at the center of the disc and gradually grows to involve the outer layer of the annulus. When a disc suffers a radial tear of the annulus, it is almost certain that the patient will sustain a herniated disc.
•  Peripheral tears: Peripheral tears usually appear suddenly in the outer fibers of the annulus and do not radiate from the interior of the disc. After a peripheral tear occurs, however, the inside of the disc may begin to deteriorate.
• Concentric tears: Like peripheral tears, concentric tears are generally caused by an unexpected and swift trauma. Concentric tears partially or completely separate layers of the annulus.

Annular tears affect many Americans and can spur, accelerate or intensify countless medical conditions. Men and women who experience an annular tear are more likely to suffer from:

• Inflammation of the spine
• Disc misalignment
• Spinal nerve pinching
• Herniated discs
• Osteoarthritis
• Facet joint syndrome
• Spinal stenosis

While some of these conditions are treatable, others can become incredibly debilitating if not properly addressed. By seeking timely medical care for damage to the annulus, patients can often avoid developing serious and detrimental secondary complications.

Annular Tear Causes

The neck and back bear the majority of a person’s body weight and are highly vulnerable to deterioration. In fact, by age 30, the spines of most men and women are less durable and flexible than they were in their peak state. Oftentimes, annular tears are the result of aging and the natural wear and tear that transpires as our body changes and becomes older. Some additional factors that may lead to an annular tear are:

• Making repetitive, improper motions
• Lifting heavy objects without taking safety precautions
• Sitting in one place for long periods of time each day
• Conditions that strain the spinal column, such as obesity and scoliosis
• Genetic predisposition
• Sudden injury, trauma or accident, usually from manual labor or high-impact sports like gymnastics or football
• Twisting awkwardly
• Sitting or standing too quickly

If you encounter one or more of the above, you may be at risk for an annular tear or another spine-related difficulty. Even if you are not yet experiencing symptoms, speak with your doctor about the best ways to maintain spinal health. Prevention plays a crucial role in the life-long wellness of the spine.

Annular Tear Symptoms

Usually, patients do not realize they have an annular tear until they begin to encounter symptoms of another condition that has developed as a result of the injury, such as the symptoms associated with a herniated disc or a compressed nerve. If you suspect you may be sustaining an annular tear, the following indicators may corroborate your speculations:

• Back and leg pain that may be mild or severe
• Discomfort that travels the length of a nerve
• Pain that becomes worse when sitting, sneezing, coughing, lifting or bending forward
• Numbness and weakness in the affected area and associated limbs
• Tingling and pins-and-needles sensations in the back, groin, legs or arms

Lower Back Pain Minimally Invasive Treatment Options

At Microspine, Dr. T regularly helps patients identify and treat a number of spine-related complications. Through innovative, patient-centric care, we strive to provide long-term solutions, so that patients can return to their everyday activities without pain and other disabling symptoms.

During your initial consultation, Dr. T and Microspine team will carefully and compassionately analyze your medical history and physical state. Then, we will work with you to recommend the treatment or surgery that may be the best option for your unique situation. If you are suffering from an annular tear, components of your recuperation process will depend upon the severity and location of the crack, any secondary complications and other medical factors. An imaging test, such as an MRI scan, may be requested.

Generally, we encourage implementing conservative treatments, such as lifestyle changes and physical therapy, prior to exploring surgical intervention. In some cases, however, an annular tear may need to be addressed through minimally invasive surgery. To perform a minimally invasive procedure, a surgeon typically uses a thin, flexible laparoscopic camera and advanced instruments to create tiny incisions. When compared to traditional open operations minimally invasive surgeries yield many benefits, including:

• Shortened recovery times, allowing patients to return to work and other daily duties promptly
• Less pain
• Fewer potential post-surgery complications
• A reduced risk of scarring, trauma to surrounding tissues and high volumes of blood loss

We look forward to speaking with you!