Can a tear in a disc heal?

Can a tear in a disc heal?

Usually, a torn disc will heal on its own after a few weeks to a month. So, most doctors recommend non-surgical treatment methods such as a heating and cooling pad to ease the pain or light exercise to make your back stronger. If the pain persists for months and becomes chronic, surgery may be an option.

Is annular tear serious?

Tears in the outer ring of the disc, the annulus fibrosus, can cause mild to severe pain depending on where the tear is located. Although annular tears can occur throughout the spine they are more common in the neck and low back as these are more mobile than the thoracic spine.

What does a torn disk feel like?

Pain is often described as sharp or burning. Numbness or tingling. People who have a herniated disk often have radiating numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves.

Can a torn disc get worse?

Can you make a herniated disc worse? The pain from a herniated disc usually is worse when you are active and gets better when you are resting. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving, and bending forward may make the pain worse.

Is L5 S1 disc bulge serious?

A herniated L5-S1 disc can press and impinge nerves and the spinal cord. This compression can lead to discomfort, aches and pains in the back, buttocks, hips, thighs, leg feet, or toes. It may also cause numbness, tingling and weakness in thighs, legs, knees, ankles, feet, or toes.

What does an annular tear feel like?

Annular tears cause localized or “discogenic” pain. Radiating pain may also travel into the arms, legs, hands, or feet. Muscle weakness can occur if lumbar or cervical nerves become pinched. The limbs may also tingle or become numb.

How long does annular tear take to heal?

Because the annulus fibrosus has such a limited blood supply (a necessary component for the body to repair itself), annular tears can take quite a long time to heal on its own — 18 months to two years.