Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Disc annular tear and LB
Last October 2025 my MRI showed annular disc tear at the Lumbar region,L4-5/L5-S.Intense lower back pain was resolved by a physio dr with muscle release methods.Doing better but not back to normal life.Daily office commute is okay but unable to weight lift(not more than 2-3 kgs) and unable to bend like before,only by bending knees is possible.I do daily stretches but stop when mild pain starts.Long sitting causes mild pain in extreme lower back and standing long time is more comfortable than sitting.
Q1. When will I be back to normal life, bending & wt lifting etc
Q2.Whether the disc tear gets healed ever?
Answers (16)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Hey there! You may get relieved from this trouble of yours after you stop long standing as it might be leading to venous drainage problems. The outcome depends on how well you manage it. Do not be aggressive for it. You will achieve it timely.
Next Steps
start using some cardiovascular exercises to bring life on a better path.
Health Tips
get treated by a good physiotherapist nearby if the problem persists or the healing needs it.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+136
Hello
Few Exercises are there which help to offload your Disc and Spine. It will faster your recovery.
You will be able to bend fully probably with in a month of therapy and start lifting weight after 6 weeks only.
Next Steps
Avoid prolonged sitting take postural breaks after 45 min of sitting
Health Tips
Try to sleep on stomach 15 -20 min with using pillow under the chest to little offload your spine
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Annular tear at L4–L5 usually does not “fully heal” structurally, but it stabilizes( Fibrosis ) with scarring and inflammation reduces over time. Since your severe pain improved with physiotherapy, prognosis is good.
Recovery to near-normal bending and lifting typically takes 3–6 months, and heavier lifting may take 6–12 months with proper core strengthening and gradual load progression.
Next Steps
consult online for better
Health Tips
Avoid sudden heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, and forward bending under load. Continue guided lumbar stabilization exercises.
If leg pain, numbness, or weakness develops, consult doctor. Otherwise, gradual improvement is expected.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ans1- complete healing will take 6-9months for Functional activities & gaining the full confidence.
Ans 2-Does an annular tear ever heal?
Yes — but not like skin healing.
The outer annulus has limited blood supply, so:
• It may not “seal perfectly” on MRI
• But it stabilizes and becomes asymptomatic
Many people have annular tears on MRI without pain.
What truly heals is:
• Inflammation settles
• Nerve sensitivity reduces
• Surrounding muscles become stronger
• The disc adapts to load
Next Steps
Consult Online for any doubt.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Get your vitamin B12 and vitamin d3 level checked .
Your vitamin B12 level should be maintained between 700 to 900 for proper disc healing .
And d3 level should be 38
And continue with pt on and off until you get result .
Next Steps
core traning exercise should be continued.and take rest if pain comes .disc injury heals only with rest in initial phases .
Health Tips
don't do any activity that aggravates your pain .
go slow but steady .
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hey there!
Usually annular tear heals with rest, anti inflammatory and exercises if taken care properly. Kindly consult me online. It requires combined effort of orthopedic doctor and physiotherapist doctor.
Regards
Your physio
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
As the film of the MRI is not there i cannot comment on what extent the tear , I suggest not only stretching but start strengthening exercise , the muscle of trunk and abdominal needs to strengthen to provide more stability for trunk, first start with mild exercise then slowly increase the intensity of exercise, if you are not aware of exercise do int under the guidance of professional
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
please consult a physiotherapist for structured physiotherapy for long term healing
Next Steps
Avoid pain-provoking bending, not bending forever/
Hip-hinge + knee bending is correct for now
need some strengthening exercises and core stabilization
disc tear heals but its still sensitive and not like skin or muscle it takes time to recover completely
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hello dear, See Annular disc tear healing depend upon the diameter of remaining disc
The nerve root compression has resolved due to that tear. You need some strengthening exercises for your lower back this can be advised after a video consultation. Feel free to consult
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi please take an online consultation for best diagnosis and treatment
Next Steps
Postural correction
Health Tips
Rest
Physiotherapy treatment according to condition
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Please consult online for proper assessment n treatment plan accordingly
Next Steps
Posture correction
Health Tips
Connect online
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Consult nearby physiotherapist and take electromagnetic therapy sessions with normal electrotherapy as well
The disc tear should be healed completely which can be only possible through advance modality.
For details consult back in private chat.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Visit HEAD TO HEEL PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC
Next Steps
Dr.Andrew jaya singh
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Jacob Roshan Mathew (PT)
Physiotherapist
21 yrs exp
Bangalore
I agree 6 to 12 months for improved abilities. It is predominantly rotatory dysfunctions that cause annular tears....
Thus, rotatory movements need attention. Glut med, Obliques, local rotatory stabilizers popliteus, tib posterior etc needs to be strengthened.
But 100% healing is not possible in my opinion also
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Neetu Rathi (PT)
Physiotherapist
17 yrs exp
Gurgaon
Greetings from Rid of Pain Physiotherapy
Your back pain can be treated if we correct all the misalignments of joints and solve the imbalances of the muscles. For that we need to see the case and examine the reason behind. Find the manual therapist who can treat u. Or for more details u can connect us.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Afsa Rafiq (PT)
Physiotherapist
5 yrs exp
Srinagar
Please consult online for better treatment and diagnosis
Next Steps
Maintain posture
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.