Question 1

circumferential disc bulges with posterior central annular tear at lv3-lv4 and lv4-lv5 intervertebral disc levels causing narrowing of both lateral re?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms?: These findings may or may not be responsible for your symptoms which are not listed but presumed to be pain.  Your doctor will correlate these findings with your symptoms and physical exam to help identify the pain generator as best as possible after which time a directed treatment plan can be formulated.

Question 2

just got my mri results back and i have 3 herniated disc, and also a posterior annular tear, is that serious?  thank you, kristy.

Accepted Answer

Discopathy: Bulge disc is very common. It might cause no pain. It could cause pain if it touches the nerves or spinal cord.
Annular tear could be very painful, but most cases heals in few months and might not cause any problem later on.
Please talk to your doc.

Question 3

mri- "l/4-l-5 disc desiccation. small central protrusion w/ tiny posterior annular tear. no canal stenosis or sig. foraminal narrowing". what it mean?

Accepted Answer

Some pain: The disc is between two vertebrae, the spine. They act like shock absorbers. When they have a problem they bulge out of their space. It sounds like it sticks out and touches some nerves. The disc has a band around it. It may tear like yours did. The point where nerves leave the spinal cord, the exit foramen is ok.

Question 4

what does this mean, alot of pain. l5-s1 mild disc bulge, posterior annular tear, small right subarticular protrusion abuts the right s1 nerve root.

Accepted Answer

Need follow-up treat: You described findings most likely from an MRI of your back. Looks like you have a herniated disc that is pressing on the S1nerve root which may be causing pain on the outside of your foot. If rest and Ibuprofen are not helping then you need to follow-up with your doctor. Treatment may range from medication, rest, therapy or if needed surgery

Question 5

i need help understanding mri results. can someone decipher, "mild ddd, desiccation of narrowing, minimal bulge, minimal superimposed posterior central disc protrusion, annular tear, short pedicles, minimal central canal stenosis. patent foramina."?

Accepted Answer

Your doctor would: S/he is the only person who can explain those findings in the MRI in line with your clinical condition and why the study was ordered, best wishes

Question 6

my lower back mri result:small posterior annular tear at l4/l5 level &mild diffuse posterolateral disc protusion at l4/l5 and l5/s1 level causing mild indentation of thecal sac &mild compromise of left lateral recesses.what does it mean &how to treat?

Accepted Answer

: Your report is consistent with mild-moderate  lumbosacral spondylosis  and degenerative disc disease, but would not be an indication for surgery unless unremitting painful disability, progressive weakness and atrophy, urinary problems.  Physical therapy and exercise would be a more preferable approach  at  this point.

Question 7

mri shows l4-5 posterior disc protusion with annular tear indenting the thecal sac and at l5-s1 posterior central disc bulging with annular tear?

Accepted Answer

Disk bulging : Based on the severity of these findings he treatment modalities will be different ... Many folks have some mild degree of disk bulging that can be managed with physical therapy and pain control and special exercises...you may need an orthopedic clinic visit .

Question 8

will an annular tear at disk l5 get worse an?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes : Most of these are incidental findings on a MRI & more related to degeneration of the disc leading to a tear of the outer fibers or annulus which can also allow for some disc material to pop out & then that can be a disc herniation.  Sometimes, these tears are a sign of disc pain as the disc mechanics are disrupted and just like a torn piece of paper, a tear can further propagate. It can heal too!

Question 9

how does an annular tear typically occur?

Accepted Answer

Twisting: Movements, especially twisting cause microscopic tears in the collagen fibers (tiny structural elements like the fibers or threads of a fabric) of the annulus (part of the disk). The body has some ability to heal such tears, but there is a limit. When the amount of microscopic tears becomes large, the tears connect, causing a larger tear. Sometimes those tears are painful.

Question 10

is an annular tear the same as a bulging disc?

Accepted Answer

Different : Annular tear is similar to a sprain--a torn ligament, and not normal. It's presence does not equate to pain. In fact, upon healing the MRI will show a persistent abnormality. Bulging is best described with squeezing the top and bottom of marshmallow. The edges bulge to absorb shock of body weight. This is the job of the disc. If nerves not pressured, completely normal.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

What is posterior annular tear

A member asked:

Circumferential disc bulges with posterior central annular tear at lv3-lv4 and lv4-lv5 intervertebral disc levels causing narrowing of both lateral re?

A member asked:

Just got my mri results back and i have 3 herniated disc, and also a posterior annular tear, is that serious? thank you, kristy.

A member asked:

Mri- "l/4-l-5 disc desiccation. small central protrusion w/ tiny posterior annular tear. no canal stenosis or sig. foraminal narrowing". what it mean?

A member asked:

What does this mean, alot of pain. l5-s1 mild disc bulge, posterior annular tear, small right subarticular protrusion abuts the right s1 nerve root.

A member asked:

I need help understanding mri results. can someone decipher, "mild ddd, desiccation of narrowing, minimal bulge, minimal superimposed posterior central disc protrusion, annular tear, short pedicles, minimal central canal stenosis. patent foramina."?

A member asked:

My lower back mri result:small posterior annular tear at l4/l5 level &mild diffuse posterolateral disc protusion at l4/l5 and l5/s1 level causing mild indentation of thecal sac &mild compromise of left lateral recesses.what does it mean &how to treat?

A member asked:

Mri shows l4-5 posterior disc protusion with annular tear indenting the thecal sac and at l5-s1 posterior central disc bulging with annular tear?

A member asked:

Will an annular tear at disk l5 get worse an?

A member asked:

How does an annular tear typically occur?

A member asked:

Is an annular tear the same as a bulging disc?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?