Symptoms and Causes of Annular Tears
The most common symptom is localized pain in the back or neck. This pain often feels worse when sitting compared to standing and may flare up with actions like coughing, sneezing, bending, or lifting.
Other Symptoms May Include:
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Discomfort that radiates along a nerve path
- In some cases, no symptoms at all
Annular Tears Can be Caused by:
- Natural disc degeneration from aging
- Sudden trauma from sports or accidents
- Repetitive stress on the spine over time
How Annular Tears Are Diagnosed
To diagnose an annular tear, your doctor will begin with a physical exam and a discussion of your symptoms. An MRI may be ordered to check for signs of disc damage. However, small tears don’t always show up on imaging. In those cases, a test called a discography might be used. This involves injecting a dye into the disc to pinpoint the source of the pain.
Treatment Options for Annular Tears
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and how the tear is affecting your daily life. Many patients find relief through non-surgical methods such as:
- Cold and heat therapy: Using ice to reduce inflammation, followed by heat to ease muscle tension
- Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches that support the spine and improve flexibility
- Epidural injections: Anti-inflammatory medications are injected near the spine to reduce pain and swelling
If conservative treatments aren’t enough, more advanced options may be considered.
