What Is an Annular Tear?
Spinal discs are composed of a tough fibrous outer layer (annulus fibrosus) surrounding a jelly-like water and protein mixture (nucleus pulposus). When the fibrous outer layer undergoes significant trauma or deteriorates due to aging or overuse, small tears can develop. These are referred to as annular tears or disc tears.
Annular tears may occur in the lower back (known as a lumbar disc tear) or the neck (known as a cervical disc tear). If the soft, inner nucleus pulposus leaks out of the disc through an annular tear into the spinal canal, this is known as a herniated disc. Disc herniation can result in irritation or compression of the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots, leading to pain, numbness, weakness, and other symptoms in affected extremities.
The risk of experiencing an annular tear can be heightened by a number of different factors, including the following:
- Aging – As spinal discs lose their flexibility and durability over time, they often become weakened, increasing the risk of annular tears.
- Traumatic Injury – Sudden traumas such as car crashes, unexpected falls, and sporting accidents can result in acute injury to the spinal discs, including annular tears.
- Obesity – Excess body weight places greater pressure on the spine and can lead to the development of annular tears over time.
- Repetitive Movements – People whose jobs or lifestyles involve repetitive lifting, bending, or twisting may be at increased risk of developing annular tears.
Types of Annular Tears
At New Jersey Spine Institute, our world-class spine specialists possess the expertise to accurately diagnose and treat annular tears stemming from a wide range of different causes. A personalized care plan is developed for every patient based on factors including medical history, health goals, and the type of annular tear being treated.
Typically, there are three distinct types of annular tears. These are:
Radial Tear
This type of annular tear is caused by the aging process and may lead to herniation of the disc. It originates in the inner layers of the annulus fibrosus and extends toward the outer surface.
Concentric Tear
Often caused by sudden trauma or injury to the spine, a concentric annular tear usually occurs within the innermost layers of the annulus fibrosus.
Peripheral Tear
Peripheral tears are usually caused by injury. They develop in the outer layers of the annulus fibrosus and may cause the disc to break down over time.
Do you suspect you may be living with an annular tear but aren’t sure what type or how to effectively relieve the associated pain and discomfort? The team at New Jersey Spine Institute is here to help.
Symptoms of Annular Tears
The symptoms of annular tears can vary from person to person based on several different factors including the location and scope of the tear and the age and lifestyle of the affected individual. At New Jersey Spine Institute, the most common symptoms of cervical or lumbar spine disc tears that we encounter include:
Cervical Disc Tear Symptoms
- Neck pain
- Weakness in the upper arm or shoulder area
- Numbness and/or a tingling sensation in the fingers/wrist
- Difficulty gripping with hand
- Difficulty rotating the neck
- Pain that may be dull or sharp in nature
Lumbar Disc Tear Symptoms
- Lower back pain
- Sciatica (nerve pain that radiates through the buttock and/or leg)
- Numbness or pain in the foot
- Numbness or pain in the ankle
- Inability to stretch or extend toes
- Inability to push off with the foot
Treatment Options for Annular Tears
Annular tears can be effectively treated using a variety of different techniques and approaches. At New Jersey Spine Institute, our experienced team of doctors takes the time to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each patient.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Before considering surgical interventions, the team at New Jersey Spine Institute will explore conservative treatment options. In many cases, annular tears can be resolved non-surgically with one or more of the following:
- Medications – Over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory or muscle-relaxing medications may relieve pain symptoms and support the overall healing process.
- Physical Therapy – An individualized physiotherapy program may include stretches, exercises, massage, and other therapeutic approaches.
- Steroid Injections – Targeted steroid injections can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore flexibility and function to the spine.
Surgical Treatments
If an annular tear is unresponsive to non-surgical treatment options, surgery may be considered. At New Jersey Spine Institute, all surgical procedures are performed by our exceptional two-surgeon team to maximize relief and minimize recovery time. Depending on the specifics of your case, one of the following spine surgeries may be recommended:
- Microdiscectomy – This advanced and minimally invasive surgery can relieve spinal nerve compression (a pinched nerve) caused by an annular tear.
- Artificial Disc Replacement – If annular tears are severe or extensive, replacing the spinal disc with an artificial one can help reduce pain and restore quality of life.
- Spinal Fusion – During a spinal fusion procedure, two vertebrae are fused together with an implant to increase stability in the spinal column.
Annular Tears at New Jersey Spine Institute
The leading team of specialists at New Jersey Spine Institute possesses the expertise and experience to diagnose and treat annular tears and other causes of back or neck pain with the utmost precision and the highest level of patient care. Contact our office today to book an appointment and take your first step forward on the path to recovery!