What is disc bulge with annular tear?
A cervical annular tear occurs with a disc herniation. The annular tear is a tearing of the disc external surface that may occur with the aging process or with injury. The annulus may thin or bulge or weaken to the point that disc material may extrude into the spinal canal.
What is diffuse posterior disc bulge?
The discs located in the neck region are referred to as the cervical discs. A diagnosis of a diffuse cervical bulge means that a disc in the neck area is bulging outward beyond its normal boundaries. This can occur due to trauma or injury or with age-related changes or wear and tear damage to the spine.
Is diffuse disc bulge serious?
This can cause anxiety for patients who worry they are developing a serious spinal problem. However, studies have shown over and over, that disc bulges are incredibly common, and can be seen on MRIs of people without back pain or spine problems.
How do you fix an annular tear?
Some annular tears can be sealed with a laser procedure. Other minimally invasive surgery options include a discectomy, total disc replacement, or spinal fusion. Minimally invasive surgery requires smaller incisions, causes less muscle and tendon damage and results in less post-op pain and stiffness.
Does annular tear require surgery?
How do you treat a diffuse disc bulge?
Physical therapy, exercise and gentle stretching to help relieve pressure on the nerve root. Ice and heat therapy for pain relief. Manipulation (such as chiropractic manipulation) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or COX-2 inhibitors for pain relief.
What causes diffuse disc bulge?
A bulging disc occurs when the nucleus shifts to press against the disc’s outer ring, causing the disc to flatten and protrude into the spinal canal. Age-related wear and tear on the spine is the most common cause of a bulging disc. A traumatic accident like a car crash or sports accident can also damage spinal discs.
What is the treatment for an annular tear?
Treatment. To handle the pain and other symptoms of annular tears,usually conservative treatment is sufficient.
Does drinking water help with annular tears?
Drink plenty of good clean water to rehydrate your discs. Consult with a chiropractor to help mobilize and balance the spine. Consider enrolling in a Yoga class as well to help with stretching and core strengthening.
What are the symptoms of an annular tear?
Chronic Pain
What causes annular tear?
Age. Age is one of the most common causes of annular tears.