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Annulus Fibrosus
Annulus Fibrosus Disci IntervertebralisAnnular refers to layered rings which make up the structure of the outer disc wall. This is the same terminology used to describe the concentric rings found inside the cross section of a tree. Although the layers of the disc wall are strong, they are still very prone to development of bulges or rips. A bulged outer disc wall is called by a number of names, including:* Bulging Disc While some practitioners make distinctions between these terms, most back doctors use the names interchangeably. All describe the condition of the inner disc nucleus pressing forcibly into the outer wall, causing a deformity. An annular tear describes a condition when the disc wall develops a rip or hole. This condition is commonly called a ruptured disc. In this instance, the nucleus actually bleeds partially or completely out of the disc. Annulus Fibrosus FactsA compromised outer disc wall will create asymmetry in the disc and enact a shift in the internal disc nucleus. This asymmetrical condition can affect the circumference of the disc or the height of the disc, and typically affects both measurements. Bulges are common and are found in a great percentage of the adult population. Ruptured discs are less common, but are still found in many adults. Most disc conditions affecting the outer wall are not problematic or symptomatic in any way. Despite the fearsome reputation of herniated discs, the overwhelming majority does not cause any pain and are often not even discovered, since there are no symptoms necessitating diagnosis.Annulus Fibrosus AdviceSome herniated and ruptured discs can cause pain by compressing the spinal cord (spinal stenosis) or one of the spinal nerve roots (foraminal stenosis). These conditions are very often diagnosed, but are actually far rarer than most patients think. Many disc pain syndromes are misdiagnosed, which explains their treatment resistant reputation. Actual disc pain conditions typically respond well to appropriate medical treatment and modalities such as spinal decompression have worked miracles for many patients with severe symptoms. Best of all, back surgery is virtually never needed to resolve disc pain. Remember that most disc problems will heal all by themselves, even without any treatment. I am still walking around, training and doing everything I want, even with my L4/L5 badly herniated and my L5/S1 ruptured…
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