An annular fissure is a condition that affects intervertebral discs.
Is an annular fissure the same as an annular tear?
The terms fissure and tear are sometimes used interchangeably.
Does Annular Fissure Cause Pain?
While an annular fissure may cause pain, it doesnt always do so.
In fact, a study was done by Brinjiki, et.al.
You might think of an annular fissure as loss of integrity in the outer covering of the spinal disc.
Spinal manipulation by a chiropractor or osteopath is sometimes used to treat an annular fissure.
In some cases, disk replacement surgery is needed.
Possibly, but only after more conservative treatments have failed.
An annular tear on its own is not an indication for disk replacement surgery.
Brinjiki, W., Luetmer, P.H., Comstock, B. Bresnahan, B.W., Chen, L.E.
2015 Apr;36(4):811-6. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A4173.
Bao-Gan Peng.Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of discogenic low back pain.World J Orthop.
2013 Apr 18; 4(2): 4252.
A prospective 1-year follow-up study.Int J Spine Surg.2012;6:13-7. doi:10.1016/j.ijsp.2011.09.001
