How Long Does It Take for the Lumbar Fibrous Ring to Self-Repair?

Lumbar annulus fibrosus self-repair treatment is a commonly used conservative treatment method, usually used for patients with lumbar disc herniation. Lumbar disc herniation is a common disease in daily life. Not all patients are suitable for surgery. Patients who are older, have poor physical condition, or have some underlying diseases are not suitable for surgery and can be treated with conservative methods. Usually, it takes 2-4 weeks for the lumbar annulus fibrosus to self-repair.

1. How long does it take for the lumbar annulus fibrosus to self-repair? It takes approximately 2-4 weeks for the lumbar annulus fibrosus to self-repair. Repair refers to the local stabilization of the annulus fibrosus and the formation of scar adhesion tissue. During the repair process, inflammation gradually resolves, but the ruptured annulus fibrosus cannot regenerate or heal. The lumbar disc is a fibrous cartilage, and the fibrous tissue in this area is very dense. Once the fibrous tissue is damaged, its regenerative ability is very poor. All conservative treatment methods for lumbar disc herniation aim to produce scar adhesion tissue and resolve inflammation. Through a series of changes in lumbar curvature, the protruding nucleus pulposus is prevented from continuing to compress the surrounding nerve roots, which relieves the symptoms of lumbar disc herniation. The fundamental pathological changes, namely the rupture of the annulus fibrosus and the protrusion of the nucleus pulposus, still exist. Re-injury to this area may lead to recurrence of symptoms, which may be more severe than the previous ones.

2. What to do if the lumbar annulus fibrosus ruptures? The rupture of the lumbar annulus fibrosus is a chronic process, especially common in patients with lumbar disease. However, when it ruptures, there is no pain sensation if there is no metabolic tissue stimulation. In the early stages of lumbar annulus fibrosus rupture, it is usually mild and can be relieved through medication, traction, and bed rest. If the rupture is severe, especially when affected by external forces, the lumbar disc may protrude into the vertebral canal through the rupture site and compress the nerves, causing neurological symptoms. In such cases, minimally invasive methods or open surgical methods should be chosen to repair the annulus fibrosus as much as possible. If repair is not possible, the prominent disc tissue should be addressed first, with the main focus on relieving nerve compression. Postoperative strengthening of lumbar and back muscle exercises is also necessary to stabilize the lumbar spine and prevent the recurrence of low back pain.

3. How long does it take to recover from a lumbar annulus fibrosus tear? Generally, good bed rest can facilitate recovery. It is recommended to use a steel-plated waistband for protection and lie flat for more than a month. During this time, the lumbar fracture can basically stabilize, and the patient can then wear a waistband or a specially designed brace to ambulate. Ambulating too early can easily cause fracture displacement and even the risk of paraplegia.