[soneill]

#32438

Hi, I injured my back shoveling snow last March. July 15 MRI confirmed L4-5 annular fissure. Back was feeling better by October but then I reinjured it. Now I still have pain if I try to exercise (bike, run, swimming is okay but pools are closed). No pain if I’m inactive or just walk, but not quality of life I’d like.
Is it normal for annular fissures to take this long to heal? Are there any other causes that might have been missed or solutions to fix my back?
MRI was done at CU if you want to view images. Please let me know if you / your office needs my information.
Thank you,

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#32440

Annular tears generally take about 6 months on average to “resolve symptoms” with some taking as much as a year and 10% may not fully resolve. There are many other causes of pain including facet generated pain and nerve compression pain. If you are local (Colorado), we have long distance consults and telemedicine available. Please call the office at (970) 476-1100 or (888) 888-5310 to get more information.

Dr. Corenman

[Author]

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