Acute disc tear

Question 1

What is an acute disc tear?

Answer 1

An acute tear can occur in the outer fibrosis of an intervertebral disc which classically happens after lifting a heavy object (e.g. lawnmover)

Question 2

How does acute disc tear present?

Answer 2

Pain is characteristically worse on coughing - coughing increases disc pressure

Question 3

How is acute disc tear investigated?

Answer 3

MRI

Question 4

How is acute disc tear managed?

Answer 4

Analgesia and physiotherapy

Symptoms usually resolve but can take 2-3 months to settle