Motion Preserving, Fusion-Free Spine Care

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    Conditions We treat

    Annular Tear

    Understanding your disc injury and exploring motion-preserving treatment options

    Living With

    An Annular Tear

    Back or neck pain that doesn’t seem to resolve can be frustrating, especially when you don’t have clear answers. An annular tear may be the source of your discomfort, even if imaging looks “normal” at first glance.

    At Spine Motion Specialists, we focus on identifying the true cause of your pain and offering motion-preserving solutions that protect your mobility and long-term function.

    What Is It?

    An annular tear is a small rip in the outer layer of a spinal disc (the annulus fibrosus). This outer layer helps keep the disc’s soft center contained and provides stability during movement.

    When a tear develops, it can cause inflammation and pain. In some cases, disc material may later push through the tear, increasing the risk of a herniated disc.

    What Causes an Annular Tear?

    Common causes include:

    • Age-related disc degeneration
    • Repetitive bending or twisting
    • Heavy lifting
    • Sudden trauma or falls
    • Car accidents
    • Poor body mechanics

    As discs lose hydration and flexibility over time, they become more vulnerable to small injuries.

    Common Symptoms

    Patients with an annular tear may experience:

    • Localized neck or back pain
    • Pain that worsens with movement or sitting
    • Stiffness
    • Occasional radiating pain if nearby nerves are irritated

    Symptoms can vary widely depending on tear location and severity.

    How an Annular Tear Is Diagnosed

    Diagnosis typically includes:

    • Detailed medical history
    • Physical examination
    • MRI imaging to detect disc changes
    • Provocative discography (in select cases)

    Because tears can be small, they don’t always appear clearly on imaging, making clinical evaluation especially important.

    When to Seek Care

    You should consider evaluation if:

    • Pain persists beyond a few weeks
    • Symptoms worsen
    • Pain limits daily activities
    • You develop numbness or weakness

    Treatment Options

    For An Annular Tear

    At Spine Motion Specialists, treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and protecting disc health while preserving motion.

    Motion-Preserving Procedures

    If symptoms persist, Dr. Hodges may recommend:

    All treatment decisions prioritize maintaining natural movement and avoiding fusion whenever possible.

    Non-Surgical Options

    • Physical therapy

    • Activity modification

    • Anti-inflammatory medications

    • Image-guided injections

    Why Spine Motion Specialists?

    Your care plan is built around your goals, your movement, and your lifestyle, never a protocol.

    Dr. Scott Hodges brings 35+ years of experience and a deep understanding of spine biomechanics to every patient visit.

    • Fusion-free philosophy

    • Motion-preserving expertise

    • Concierge, one-on-one care

    • Extended 60–90 minute consults

    • Virtual visits available for travel patients

    Annular Tear

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Yes. Many small tears heal with time and conservative care. Proper movement, therapy, and inflammation control can support healing.

    No. A tear affects the disc’s outer layer. A herniation occurs when disc material pushes through that tear.

    Not usually. Most patients improve with non-surgical treatment. Surgery is considered only if symptoms persist or worsen.

    Yes. Gentle movement helps promote healing. Dr. Hodges will guide you on safe activity levels.

    Many patients seek us out for a second opinion. In some cases, motion-preserving alternatives may be available.

    Start Your Path to Relief

    Not sure if an annular tear is causing your pain?
     A consultation can help you get clarity and explore motion-preserving options.