For patients suffering from an annular tear, there are a wide variety of alternative treatment options that may provide the required pain relief. Alternative treatments are usually considered to be medical and health practices that are not part of “conventional medicine.” That is to say that these treatments may be effective, but aren’t based on traditional scientific principles. Examples of annular tear alternative treatment techniques can include all-natural products, holistic treatments, meditation and breathing exercises, spinal manipulation and other similar options.
Types of Treatment
An annular tear is a tear in the outer fibrous ring of the spinal disc. In general, when a person suffers from an annular tear in their neck or back, the patient should consult their physician to determine the location, cause and severity of the tear. With this information, the physician and patient develop a comprehensive treatment plan to alleviate the patient’s pain and hopefully allow the disc to heal naturally. In almost all cases, treatment is first attempted conservatively (nonsurgically). More invasive treatments are considered only after all other treatment options prove insufficient. Annular tear alternative treatment is popular for patients who have not found meaningful relief from more traditional techniques, such as pain medication or epidural injections.
Some examples of alternative treatments include:
- Dietary supplements or herbal medicines – to improve overall health
- Yoga or meditation – to relax the neck or back and to relieve stress
- Acupuncture – hair-thin needles are used to stimulate different parts of the body
- Massage therapy or manipulation – improve spinal alignment and relax the support musculature
More Advanced Options
In the event that conservative and annular tear alternative treatment options do not provide meaningful pain relief, contact Laser Spine Institute. We specialize in the field of minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery. One of our outpatient procedures may correct the cause of your pain. Call today to schedule a consultation and request a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan.
