Lumbar Annular Tear: Symptoms & Treatment Options

Most people experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. However, you may be surprised to learn that many adults don’t realize when they have an annular tear. This is because they take back pain as part of getting older and assume it’s nothing serious. However, lower back pains have many different causes and could mean something as serious as an annular tear. Most annular tears develop in the spine’s lumbar section, as it supports your body’s weight.

While it’s not unusual for lumbar annular tears to heal on their own, this condition could lead to immense pain and disc damage. So, what is a lumbar annular tear, and what are the symptoms and treatment options? NJ Spine & Orthopedic is here to help explain everything you need to know. Our experienced spine specialists and patient advocates can offer a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of your condition.

What Is a Lumbar Annular Tear?

A lumbar annular tear is a tear or crack on the annulus fibrosus, the external ligament surrounding the disc. The lumbar spine comprises vertebral bodies with lumbar discs in between them. A disc is a specialized type of joint that provides support and mobility and acts as a shock absorber for the spine. Therefore, the thick outer layer of the disc may tear as it endures daily impact and stress.

After a lumbar annular tear, the nucleus inside the disc, often referred to as “jelly,” may start to leak out, causing a herniated disc. When this happens, it causes pressure on nearby nerves causing what’s called a pinched nerve, which can be extremely painful. While there are many causes of this condition, it mainly happens due to the natural deterioration of the spine with age. Typically, an annular tear should heal itself with time. However, it’s susceptible to future tears, making it essential for individuals to seek medical help.

What Causes a Lumbar Annular Tear?

Normally, lumbar annular tears are part of the natural aging process. Vertebral discs naturally degenerate and lose their durability with age. When this occurs, they lose their flexibility, making them prone to tearing. Therefore, the weakened annular fibers may start to tear, leading to a lumbar annular tear.

Additionally, the annulus fibrosus may be subjected to various conditions that can cause a lumbar annular tear. Some of the other factors that may lead to an annular tear include:

• Traumatic injuries: Traumatic injuries sustained from car accidents, sports collisions, sudden trauma, and falls may place an abnormal amount of stress on the spine and the disc, leading to an annular tear.
• High-impact activities: Lifting heavy weights and occupations that put added pressure on the back can lead to lumbar annular tears.
• Excess body weight: This can also place chronic strain on the spine and discs, causing this condition. The spine is responsible for supporting your body’s weight, and any added weight may increase pressure on the spine, increasing the risk of an annular tear as the discs deteriorate with time.

A lumbar annular tear often results from gradual wear and tear. However, anything that puts added pressure on the spine may cause this condition. You may feel immense pain, which requires the intervention of a skilled doctor.