Annular Tear Treatment | Specialty Medical Center

Written by the Specialty Medical Center editorial teamNot individually reviewed by a physicianApproved for publication by SMC, October 31, 2026How we write and review

What are annular tears?

An annular tear is a tear in the tough outer wall of a spinal disc. It can cause back or neck pain, and sometimes nerve pain if disc material presses on a nerve. Many heal over time.

Common signs

Back or neck pain after lifting or twisting
Pain worse with sitting or bending
Disc tears seen on MRI

How it's evaluated and treated

Treatment starts with therapy and activity changes; epidural injections can help nerve pain. For long-lasting disc pain, discography may guide disc procedures.

Recovery and outlook

Many annular tears improve over weeks to months.

When to get help now

Get care right away for new weakness or bladder or bowel changes.

Related care

Where to get care at Specialty Medical Center

Our interventional pain physicians see patients in Dearborn, Sterling Heights (15 Mile and Schoenherr Rd), Garden City and Pontiac, with online booking in Dearborn and Sterling Heights. Part of Specialty Pain Management.

Eduardo José Otero Loperena, MDInterventional pain medicine

Mohamed Osman, MDPain management

Aaron Greenberg, DOPhysical medicine and rehabilitation

Who performs procedures, and where:

Dr. Eduardo José Otero: Universal Care Surgery Center
Dr. Mohamed Osman and Dr. Aaron Greenberg: Universal Care Surgery Center and Advanced Surgery Center
Dr. Roy Torcuator: Advanced Surgery Center and Garden City Hospital

Office injections are done in our offices. Your physician confirms who performs your procedure, and where, at your consultation.

This page gives general information. Your physician will explain whether a treatment fits you, its risks and the alternatives.

Annular tears