Dr. Paul W. McDonough is a respected presence in the Abilene, Texas, medical community who exclusively focuses on spine procedures. Active with the North American Spine Society, Dr. Paul McDonough strives to help patients understand neck and back problems.
One common type of back injury is an annular disc tear, which involves the intervertebral disc, which acts as a connector of vertebral bones. The discs are composed of a durable outer fiber ring, the annulus fibrosus, with jelly-like nucleus pulposus at the center. The strength of the annulus is essential both in fully containing the nucleus and ensuring that pressure is distributed evenly throughout the disc. This allows it to fulfill its role as a shock-absorbing cushion that supports the full range of daily activities.