What does disc annulus mean?

What does disc annulus mean?

The annulus fibrosus is the tough circular exterior of the intervertebral disc that surrounds the soft inner core, the nucleus pulposus. This outer portion is composed of a ring of ligament fibers that encases the inner core of the disc and securely connects the spinal vertebrae above and below the disc.

Can annulus fibrosus heal?

Because the outer annular fibrosus ring contains many nerve fibers, tears can be extremely painful. Although an annular tear will normally heal itself over time, it is susceptible to future weakness and tears causing some sufferers to seek the help of doctors or surgeons.

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.

What does annular bulging in spinal discs mean?

What Is “annular Bulging”? “Annular bulging” refers to a protrusion from a spinal disc that is still contained by the annulus, connective fibers that give the spinal discs strength. When these fibers are torn or compromised, the condition is known as a herniated disc.

What are the symptoms of an annular disc tear?

The degree of pain often is directly related to the location and size of the tear. Symptoms associated with an annular tear typically include pain and muscle spasm in the neck, mid or low back although more common in the lower back.

What kind of ligament is an annular disc made of?

These discs are made of a strong outer ligamentous ring called the annulus fibrosus and an inner jelly-like section called the nucleus pulposus. The annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus work together to evenly distribute pressure across the disc. An annular disc tear is a tear in the outer ligamentous ring.

What does it mean to have posterior disc protrusion?

A posterior disc protrusion is a disc that has bulged toward the posterior — rear, or away from the abdomen — of its usual position. The posterior side of the disc is adjacent to the spinal cord and nerve roots branching off the spinal cord. A posterior bulge, therefore, can place direct pressure on these sensitive nerves.

What Is “annular Bulging”? “Annular bulging” refers to a protrusion from a spinal disc that is still contained by the annulus, connective fibers that give the spinal discs strength. When these fibers are torn or compromised, the condition is known as a herniated disc.

The degree of pain often is directly related to the location and size of the tear. Symptoms associated with an annular tear typically include pain and muscle spasm in the neck, mid or low back although more common in the lower back.

These discs are made of a strong outer ligamentous ring called the annulus fibrosus and an inner jelly-like section called the nucleus pulposus. The annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus work together to evenly distribute pressure across the disc. An annular disc tear is a tear in the outer ligamentous ring.

A posterior disc protrusion is a disc that has bulged toward the posterior — rear, or away from the abdomen — of its usual position. The posterior side of the disc is adjacent to the spinal cord and nerve roots branching off the spinal cord. A posterior bulge, therefore, can place direct pressure on these sensitive nerves.