The diagnosis of annular tearing can be made on MRI imaging but the definitive diagnosis is made on CT-discograms where dye that is injected into the nucleus of the disc leaks out into the torn area of the annulus.


Treatment can be non-surgical ( physical therapy, bracing, painkillers, etc.) and surgical. Surgical treatment includes intra-discal electrothermal treatment (in very selected situations) and occasionally disc fusion of the disc space at the level of the tear.
Intra-discal electrothermal treatment is a minimally invasive treatment in which the physician applies controlled levels of thermal energy (heat) to a broad section of the affected disc wall. This heat contracts and thickens the collagen of the disc wall. Therapy may result in contraction or closure of the disc wall tear. Intra-discal electrothermal treatment acts exclusively upon the tissues of the disc itself, and should not be expected to relieve symptoms arising from other spinal structures such as spinal nerve roots or spinal joints. It is therefore very important for your physician to diagnose that the disc is the primary source of your back pain.
Annular tears or any other degenerative disorders of the spine have no impact on your reproductive ability. The condition may worsen during the pregnancy but neither fertilization ability nor pregnancy can be affected. Orthopedists should be seen for spinal disks’ disorders whether you are pregnant or not.