Thoracic Annular Tear

Thoracic Annular Tear | BEST

Annular tears in the thoracic region of the spine are far less common than tears in the lumbar or cervical spine. The thoracic region connects the cervical spine to the lumbar spine and it is the longest spinal region. It also has the most support, with over 12 thoracic vertebrae bound to the rib cage. Although it is less common, the thoracic spine is still at risk of age-related degeneration. This process occurs over time as the bones dry out and rub together, and it can lead to pain and discomfort through the back. 

Although a tear in the thoracic region is less likely, the effects are similar to one in the cervical and lumbar regions. Many times, annular tears may go unnoticed, but if it is a larger tear, it can lead to debilitating pain among other symptoms. 

If you have been diagnosed with an annular tear, or if you are interested in learning about preventative measures, allow this guide to educate you on proper spine health and tears in the thoracic region of the spine.

Causes

Although uncommon, a tear in the thoracic region of the spine can stem from a variety of sources. Oftentimes, this region may suffer from natural degeneration, causing the spinal discs to dry out and become brittle. This leads to bone-on-bone contact, resulting in back pain and discomfort. 

Here is a list of causes that could potentially cause an annular tear in the thoracic region of the spine:

  • Degeneration
  • Injuries
  • Poor posture
  • Heavy lifting

Preventative Measures

If you struggle with back pain but have not developed an annular tear, there are preventative measures you can take. Daily exercise and stretching can build muscle and increase flexibility, relieving pressure off the thoracic spine. 

Additionally, switching habits to achieve a healthy lifestyle can improve your spine health. These changes involve healthy eating, quitting smoking, avoiding prolonged sitting, and maintaining a healthy weight.

If you are already at risk for developing an annular tear, physical therapy programs can help you learn exercises to strengthen your back and learn more about spine health.

Conservative Treatment

Upon diagnosis, physicians will begin by recommending different conservative treatments. Most of the time, patients can feel relief through these methods and surgery is unnecessary. These treatments include:

  • Physical therapy
  • Medical massage
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Pain medications

If a patient has tried these conservative therapies and still experience debilitating pain, they may be a candidate for surgery. 

Surgery

There are several different types of neck and back surgery, and each one has its own set of criteria. While there are many benefits to choosing minimally invasive surgery instead of a more invasive operation, the right procedure for a patient will depend on a number of factors. 

Reach out to BEST Health System

At BEST Health System, our dedicated surgeons are highly skilled in minimally invasive surgical procedures. If you are interested in learning more about surgeries offered through BEST, contact our team and get started on your path to recovery. 

Related Articles

Headshot of Diagnosing Back Pain

Diagnosing Back Pain

How is Back Pain Diagnosed? If you have back pain, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis prior to starting any treatment. Treating the wrong […]

Headshot of Annular Tear Risk Factors

Annular Tear Risk Factors

What is an Annular Tear? An annular tear is a sometimes-painful condition that occurs when a disc in the spine tears under the pressure of […]

Headshot of Annular Tear vs. Herniated Disc

Annular Tear vs. Herniated Disc

What is the Difference? Though very similar, annular tears and herniated discs are two different conditions that can occur due to spinal degeneration. To better […]

Headshot of Annular Tear - How to Treat Them

Annular Tear - How to Treat Them

What is an Annular Tear? An annular tear occurs when the outer layer of a spinal disc, called the annulus fibrosus, develops a rip or […]

Headshot of Treating an Annular Tear

Treating an Annular Tear

What is an Annular Tear? Most doctors approach annular tear treatment conservatively through various nonsurgical techniques designed to promote the healing of the damaged spinal […]

Headshot of Diagnosing an Annular Tear

Diagnosing an Annular Tear

What is an Annular Tear? Many patients who receive an annular tear diagnosis do so after going to their doctor with neck or back pain. […]

Headshot of Annular Tear - Alternative Treatments

Annular Tear - Alternative Treatments

What is an Annular Tear? An annular tear is a rip in the outer layer of a spinal disc caused by degenerative disc disease or […]

Headshot of Solutions for Annular Tear Pain

Solutions for Annular Tear Pain

What is an Annular Tear? The discs of the spine are extremely resilient structures. They have to be, considering they serve as shock absorbers for […]

Headshot of Can An Annular Tear Cause Leg Pain?

Can An Annular Tear Cause Leg Pain?

What is an Annular Tear? An annular tear is a condition where the outer layer, or annulus fibrosis, of a spinal disc develops a rip […]

Headshot of Four Stretches for Annular Tears

Four Stretches for Annular Tears

Annular Tear Pain  A common cause of neck or back pain is an annular tear in one of the discs of the spine. Healthy discs […]

Headshot of How Does an Annular Tear Heal?

How Does an Annular Tear Heal?

Can An Annular Tear Heal? For patients who have developed an annular tear, healing time will vary from person to person. The process of resorption, […]

Headshot of Annular Tear Pain

Annular Tear Pain

What is an Annular Tear? An annular tear in the spine can present itself in a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including pain that extends from […]