Do annular tears require surgery?

Your physician may diagnose an annular tear by MRI or discogram. The tear may be visible as a high intensity zone on the MRI and dye may leak through an annular tear on the discogram. The annular tear may heal on its own with conservative treatments. In fact most annular tears will never need surgery.

Is annular tear serious?

Tears in the outer ring of the disc, the annulus fibrosus, can cause mild to severe pain depending on where the tear is located. Although annular tears can occur throughout the spine they are more common in the neck and low back as these are more mobile than the thoracic spine.

What is a disc protrusion with annular tear?

An annular tear occurs when the outer layer of a spinal disc, also known as the annulus fibrosus, suffers damage and tears. This can cause the gelatinous contents inside the disc, aka the nucleus pulposus, to rupture or herniate.

Can L5 and S1 be fused?

An L4-L5, L5-S1 fusion is a 2-level fusion. A spine fusion surgery involves using bone graft to cause two vertebral bodies to grow together into one long bone.

Can a annular tear get worse?

When annular tears are minor or just in the beginning stages, they may not cause any discomfort. However, if the tear gets progressively worse, the gel-like fluid in the disc can start to leak out. This may not seem like it can do a lot of damage, but when the fluid hits the spinal nerves, it can cause a lot of pain.

Do I need surgery for my L5 to S1 annular tears?

If conservative treatments prove to be ineffective for you, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat your L5 to S1 annular tear. If this is your situation, contact USA Spine Care to learn how one of our minimally invasive procedures can help you find relief from neck and back pain without the need for traditional open spine surgery.

What are the most common indications for L5 S1 fusion?

The most common indications for L5 S1 fusion include: Low back disc degeneration Slipped disc ( spondylolisthesis) Spinal Bone Fracture Recurrent Disc Herniation Pain radiating down leg (Sciatica ) Curvature (Scoliosis) Narrowing of the Canal (Stenosis) Failed Spine Surgery with Instability.

What are the symptoms of a L5 S1 disc protrusion?

Symptoms of a disc protrusion include: Try to stand up and move as much as possible. Frequently stand up to walk, and consider getting a standing desk. Depending on the pain level of your L5 S1, a number of treatment options can give you some (at least temporary) relief:

What is an annular tear in the spine?

An annular tear is a rip in the tough outer layer of the disc that helps it to maintain the proper space and cushion in between the vertebrae of the spine. Over time, the continual pressure of daily activities and weight gain can weaken the discs, sometimes causing the disc wall to form small tears and rips. What does L5 to S1 means?