Jyes, Dr. Chirogeek once responded to one of my posts, that I should have an annular tear ruled out. If I remember correctly, he said they could be quite painful (I think he was big on these being a pain generator), and you couldn't really do anything about them except wait it out. Sorry I wasn't more positive, but you probably already saw this on his website. I will go back through my e-mails, and see if I still have the post.
Carolyn