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Lumbar Annular Tear

A lumbar annular tear, or a tear that occurs in an intervertebral disc in the lumbar (lower) section of the spine, (commonly in the L4/L5 or L5/S1 vertebrae)?is also commonly known as a herniated disc. This is a form of degenerative disc disease, and occurs when the gel-like inner disc material pushes through the outer wall and extrudes into the spinal canal. This typically occurs as part of the natural aging process, since a disc loses water content and can become thinner and brittle over the years, potentially deforming to the point of becoming herniated.

Symptoms of a Lumbar Annular Tear

Interestingly, an annular tear doesn't cause any symptoms on its own. You may actually have multiple herniated discs at various levels of your spine at this very moment that aren't causing you any problems at all. However, problems can arise when the inner disc material pushes through the annular tear and places pressure on a nearby spinal nerve, or the spinal cord itself. The symptoms can include:

• Pain
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Tingling

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Treatment for a Lumbar Annular Tear

Annular tears sometimes heal on their own, but your doctor will likely recommend a conservative treatment plan to help this process along, or to help manage your symptoms. Treatment options can include exercise, physical therapy, hot/cold therapy, massage, and more. However, some patients simply can't find relief through conservative treatments, and instead turn to elective back surgery. If you've failed to find relief from your pain and other symptoms after weeks or months of conservative treatment, contact Laser Spine Institute today. Our specialists perform a variety of revolutionary endoscopic procedures that are minimally invasive alternatives to open back surgery. These safe, effective procedures have helped tens of thousands of patients rediscover their lives without back and neck pain.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.