Annular Tear: The Causes, Symptoms & Recovery

If you have ever experienced back pain, you are not alone. Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit the doctor. While there are many different causes of back pain, one of the most common is an annular tear. If you experience lower back pain that worsens after prolonged sitting and builds throughout the day, the mechanical loading pattern involved may be different from a simple annular tear. Our article on why your lower back hurts when you sit at your desk all day explains how prolonged sitting affects spinal loading and what ATLAS assesses in desk-related back pain.

What is an Annular Tear?

An annular tear is known as a rupture in the ligament securing your vertebra to your disc. This ligament encircles the nucleus of your disc with a robust ring of cartilage fibres called the annulus fibrosus.

What Causes an Annular Tear?

The lower back or lumbar spine is where annular tears typically occur. The most common cause of annular tear is degenerative disc disease. A fall, car accident, or other type of trauma can also cause an annular tear.

What are the Symptoms of an Annular Tear?

The most common symptom of an annular tear is pain in the lower back or neck. The pain is often worse with movement and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs. In some cases, an annular tear can cause the disc to bulge or herniate, which can lead to additional symptoms such as nerve pain or paralysis.

Annular Tear Treatment

There are a few different ways that annular tear treatment can be approached. Conservative treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections. If these methods are unsuccessful, surgery may be necessary. A chiropractor can help relieve pain from an annular tear by manipulating the affected area and realigning the spine.

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