Cervical Annular Tears
A cervical annular tear is a small tear located in the cervical region of the spine (neck). There are many things that can cause this including trauma such as whiplash or the natural deterioration of the spine. Many of the symptoms do not appear and many people do not know that they have an annular tear. Usually these tears can heal on their own, sometimes these tears can also cause disc issues.
Understanding when you should go see a doctor is important. The first step is to get an MRI in order for the spine surgeon to determine if you have a cervical annular tear or not.
Types of Annular Tears by location:
- Cervical Annular Tears (C1-C7)
- Thoracic Annular Tears (T1-T12)
- Lumbar Annular Tears(L1-L5)
Types of Annular Tears
- Peripheral Tears – An injury such as a fall or car accident is the most common cause of this type of annular tear. These tears begin on the outside layer of the discs that surround the disc.
- Concentric Tears – An annular tear that has the layers of the annulus fibrosus separate entirely or partially.
- Radial Tears – This type of tear is typically due to the normal aging process. These tears can cause disc herniations or bulges.
Causes of Cervical Annular Tears
Annular Tears in the cervical spine is common due to the cervical spine being responsible for your head. Placing unnecessary pressure on your head can cause damage to the cervical discs. Your spine is responsible for the movement of your head. Think about how your head is able to tilt, bend, and pivot. Here are a few real world examples of how an annular tear in the neck happens:
- Whiplash from a car accident
- Looking at a computer screen sitting stagnant at a desk for years
- Weight lifting with bad neck posture
One of the most common causes of an Annular Tear is the gradual degeneration of the disc due to age. This is most commonly known as Degenerative Disc Disease.