Lumbar Annular Tear: A Guide to Understanding and Healing Your Back Pain
A lumbar annular tear, also known as an annular tear, occurs when there is a tear in the outer layer of an intervertebral disc in the lower back (lumbar spine). This outer layer, called the annulus fibrosus, is made of tough fibrous rings that contain and protect the inner gel-like core (nucleus pulposus). In this guide, we'll explore lumbar annular tears, including their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and the role of physical therapy in managing this condition effectively.