How do you treat an annular bulging disc?
How do you treat an annular bulging disc?
Most annular tears improve and heal over time with rest, spine-specialized physical therapy, and over the counter anti-inflammatories. In some situations symptoms may warrant prescription strength anti-inflammatories or possible pain or muscle relaxant medication.
What causes annular disc bulge?
One primary cause of annular tears is natural disc degeneration with age. As we get older, our spinal discs dry out, stiffen and lose flexibility, which makes them more vulnerable to tears and injuries. Years of repetitive stress and pressure placed on the back can also cause aging discs to tear.
Is an annular tear the same as a bulging disc?
Annular tears can have symptoms that are very similar to bulging or herniated discs. However, disc tears do not usually produce symptoms unless the outer ? of the disc is damaged or a spinal nerve becomes pinched. When this occurs the symptoms may be as follows: Annular tears cause localized or “discogenic” pain.
How long does annular tear take to heal?
Though painful, only a few days of rest is advised. It takes some patience to allow enough time for the annular tear to heal too. Healing may take as long as 18 months to two years.
Are bulging disc permanent?
Disc bulges are not permanent. The disc is a fluid filled structure and therefore has the capacity to heal, resolve and be re-absorbed.
What makes a bulging disc worse?
The pain from a herniated disc usually is worse when you are active and gets better when you are resting. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving, and bending forward may make the pain worse. The pain gets worse when you make these movements because there is more pressure on the nerve.
Can disc bulge be cured?
Although medicine doesn’t cure a herniated disc, it may reduce inflammation and pain and allow you to begin an exercise program that can strengthen your stomach and back muscles.
Can a annular tear get worse?
Annular Tears Can Get Worse Beginning treatment as quickly as possible is necessary in order for it to heal properly and prevent further injury. An annular tear can also be a result of a minor traumatic injury. This could be a bad fall or whiplash from an automobile accident.
Is an annular tear serious?
Because the outer annular fibrosus ring contains many nerve fibers, tears can be extremely painful. Although an annular tear will normally heal itself over time, it is susceptible to future weakness and tears causing some sufferers to seek the help of doctors or surgeons.
Can you exercise with annular tear?
Exercise Tips for Annular Tears Aside from medication, exercise is also a treatment for an annular tear. While rest is important once the symptoms start to become more intense, exercise is just as important to keep the spine healthy and strong. They key is avoiding even further injury when exercising.
Can a bulging disc be caused by annular tears?
And, annular tear pain can sometimes be worse when you’re sitting down. With more severe annular tears, the symptoms may be worse. The disc can start to bulge, leading to pain, discomfort, tingling, or numbness in the arms and legs. Look here to read more about what a bulging disc is.
Can a disc bulge be a back problem?
Specifically, disc bulges do not penetrate the ligament barrier that separates the disc from the spinal canal. Disc bulging is often an incidental finding on MRI. As people age, disc bulges are commonly seen on MRI. Disc bulges can be seen in patients with no symptoms of back problems,…
What does annular bulging in the spine mean?
“Annular bulging” refers to a protrusion from a spinal disc that is still contained by the annulus, connective fibers that give the spinal discs strength. When these fibers are torn or compromised, the condition is known as a herniated disc.
What are the symptoms of a bulging L4 / 5 disc?
Symptoms are specific to the level of the bulge. An L4/5 bulging disc puts pressure on your L5 nerve — one of the most common levels where this condition occurs. Bulging of this disc, located in your lower back, causes a variety of problematic symptoms.”
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