Jyes, It is due to the tears that I now have permenant damage nerve damage, my tears never showed up on any of my MRI'S and I had one discogram done by a dr approved by BWC and he said it was normal so it was a couple of years before the tears were finally found during another discogram being done by MY dr I had or have them at two levels.
It is most common that they do heal on their own, just mine didn't and most liely has alot to do with the heavy work I was told I could continue to do, not to mention once they tear it is not unlikely for them to again.
Chirogeek does have some great info in a language you can understand.
Is it okay if we post links on this forum, if so I'll see if I can find it for you.
Linda