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Note: The answers given here are for the purpose of providing general information regarding spine treatment. They are not intended to replace evaluation and treatment by your physician. If you have questions regarding your specific spine condition, we advise you to see a physician.

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Subject: Tear in the annulus...will it heal?

Question: Seven months ago I picked up my then 2 year old son and hurt my lower back. I've been in pain ever since, so in september of this year I saw my physician and he put me in physical therapy. After a month of PT, my pain did not change, so my physician ordered an MRI. My results showed "a small tear of the annulus fibrosis L5, S1." My physician said it will heal. How long does a torn annulus fibrosis take to heal according to studies in the medical field? Can you possibly direct me to a website that has more information on this injury? Thank you.

Answer: Your doctor is correct. Most of the time the torn annulus heals. Probably about 90% of the time. In a small number of patients it does not heal. It takes four to six months to heal as good as it's going to get. After that, there are still some people who go on to heal, but the odds of getting better begin to decrease. At times, this is when surgery is needed.

We don't know of any website about this. It is such a common injury that nobody has a dedicated website for it. We have some info on our site, but don't know of anything better.

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