Home

Laser Spine Institute

Laser Spine Institute's minimally invasive procedures are the safe and effective alternative to open neck or back surgery.

Our revolutionary endoscopic surgical techniques are proven to help patients return to their normal, active lifestyles. Every month, more people come to Laser Spine Institute for help in relieving their neck and back pain than to any other spine surgery center in the world.
Conditions
Spine Conditions
- All Spinal Conditions
- Arthritis of the Spine
- Spine Articles
- Bulging Disc
- Herniated Disc
- Pinched Nerve
- Sciatica
- Spinal Stenosis
Spine Conditions A to Z
Procedures
Endoscopic Spine Procedures
There are many spinal conditions that are treated at the Laser Spine Institute. All procedures are uniquely designed and developed to provide patients with the best possible medical care.More on endoscopic spine procedures
About LSI
About Laser Spine Institute
Testimonials

Laser Spine Institute has amazing care with miraculous results.I am pain free at last and looking forward to once again living a full life.
Learn More
Free Seminars

What is minimally invasive spine surgery and can this procedure help you?You can get these answers by attending a Free Educational Seminar.
- Seminar Overview
- Upcoming Seminars
- What to Expect
LSI Doctors
Laser Spine Institute Doctors
The physicians at Laser Spine Institute care about you and your condition.More about our doctors and medical staff
- View Laser Spine Institute Doctors
Contact
Contact Us

Contact Us
Toll Free at: Submit a Contact Form Request

You are here

Annular Tear
- Overview
- Definition
Symptoms
- Annular Tear Symptoms
  - Annular Tear Pain
Causes
- Annular Tear Causes
Types
Diagnosis
- Annular Tear Diagnosis
  - Annular Tear MRI
Treatment Options
Prevention
- Annular Tear Prevention
Risk Factors
- Annular Tear Risk Factors
Articles & Resources
- Articles about Annular Tears

L5/S1 Annular Tear

Hearing that you have an L5/S1 annular tear may sound like medical jargon, but this diagnosis actually explains the specific source of your lower back pain. An annular tear is a tear in the outer lining of one of the intervertebral discs that normally cushion the spine. The fibrous annulus is a tough wall that gives the disc its shape and normally keeps the vertebrae evenly separated, but over time regular wear and tear can take their toll, weakening the disc to the point of rupture. Somewhat surprisingly, this condition is asymptomatic in itself, although should the ruptured disc material come into contact with one of the nerve roots or the spinal cord itself, a number of painful symptoms can be experienced.

The second component of the diagnosis of an L5/S1 annular tear is the “L5/S1”. These letters and numbers indicate the location of the deteriorated intervertebral disc. In this case, the L5 refers to the fifth lumbar vertebra and the S1 indicates the first sacral vertebra. Thus, the deteriorated disc is located between these two vertebrae in the lower back.

Treating a Disc Herniation

An L5/S1 annular tear is extremely common and treatment usually only requires a regimen of conservative, nonsurgical techniques. In fact, an annular tear can sometimes heal entirely after a few weeks of treatment. Some examples of effective herniated disc treatments include:

Pain medication, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants
Hot or cold therapy
Epidural injections
Pain patches
Low-impact exercises or stretching classes
Deep massage
Acupuncture
Chiropractics

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

In the event that nonsurgical treatments prove ineffective, your doctor may recommend that you consider surgery to treat your L5/S1 annular tear. If this is your prognosis, contact Laser Spine Institute to learn how one of our minimally invasive, outpatient endoscopic procedures can help you rediscover your life without back pain.

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

Contact Laser Spine Institute