How significant are annular tears at l4 5 and l5 s1? these findings are from mri after a car accident injury.

MAYBE BENIGN: Annular tears of the intervertebral discs are very common and may not cause symptoms in the majority of the population. When disc material is extruded through a tear then symptoms of 'pinched nerve' may be present: pain radiating to hip, thigh, lower leg or foot. Also a disc can press on the spinal cord causing 'spinal stenosis' with symptoms of leg weakness and bladder/bowel changes.

Can be painful: Annular tears can be incidental or they can be painful. These are relatively common and are indicative of degeneration of the disc.

Depends: The annulus fibrosus is a thick, fibrous tissue around the edge of the discs in between the vertebrae holding the disc in place. A fissure/tear indicates disruption of some of these fibers. Fissures are very common and most are asymptomatic, but they can be a source of pain, especially if they are close to a nerve. Also, disc herniations may occur through these areas of weakness.