Countless residents of the Tyler, Texas communities will experience back pain during their lives. Many times, simple aches and pains can be from overuse or the natural aging process. Unfortunately in some cases, back pain is caused by something more serious, such as an annular tear. An annular tear occurs when the spinal disc’s tough exterior tears or rips from continued overuse or a traumatic accident. The pain management specialists at Pain Recovery Center of Tyler are available to help treat back pain caused by annular tears with conservative and modern pain management treatments. Discs in the spine play a very important role in overall spinal health. They serve as cushions between the vertebrae, acting as shock absorbers and providing support to the back and neck’s bone structure. An annular tear, a rip or tear in the disc’s annulus fibrosus (the tough exterior), can occur if too much stress is placed on a disc from constant wear and tear or from sudden trauma. Pain management specialists commonly diagnose an annular tear after a thorough medical review, physical examination and diagnostic tests. The diagnostic tests typically utilized include an MRI and a CT discography. An MRI can be used to better visualize the disc’s structure, while the CT discography uses dye to identify the annular tear. Back pain caused by an annular tear can often be treated with conservative pain management treatments, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and steroid injections. Pain Recovery Center of Tyler continues to offer the most innovative treatment options in the Tyler, Texas area. Our pain management specialists are dedicated to finding the best solution for each patient, including those suffering from back pain caused by an annular tear. If you live in the East Texas area and would like to learn more about our services, please contact our team at (903) 526-5000 or visit our website at www.paincentertyler.com.