I noticed that LindaM mention Anular tears in her list of spiny problems and I knew it sounded familiar so I got my lumbar MRI report out and sure enough it says the disc protrusion is accompanied by an anular tear based on the focus of abnormal high T2 weighted signal intensity.

It does not mention what type of tear, since I noticed on Dr Chiro's website he had three types of tears listed.

I think I also read that most tears repair themselves within 18 months? Gee, wish I knew when the clock started on this tear.

Any information on Anular tears appreciated, I am sure my NS and PM never mentioned it to me, but I sure will bring it up on the next PM appointment!

The reason I am concerned, I ended up with a nice pelvic/lower back pain last night after doing my exercise regiment, this was only the second time I had the left side of my pelvic area hurting like this, even though that is my worst side for the Lumbar problems according to the MRI...

I am a tad worried the exercises I did last night were not good for my lumbar problems.
Jyes

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

Jyes, I've had anular tears, and believe me they are painful, I have fusion at C5-6, C6-7, surgery on both, I also have a small anular tear at C3 but so far am not affected my it.
I didn't have surgery just for the tears, my disks were so bad and one was completely collapsed.

DaisyMae

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

This is the link to Dr. Doug's domain:

http://www.chirogeek.com/



Here's his info. re: Anular Tears:

http://www.chirogeek.com/000_Anular_Tear_1.htm