Expert: Gerald Anzalone, D.C. - 8/29/2007

Question
can i work continuously as a dealer standing for 8 hours a day with this condition? and how do i fix this problem?

Answer
PJ,

Thank you for your question.

I assume that you had an MRI scan of your lumbar spine, which revealed the annular tear of the outer fibers of the L4-L5 disc.

Annular tearing, or fissuring, is one of the first stages of disc degeneration. Unfortunately, this is much like wrinkles and gray hair... it's part of the aging process.

Unless you are in pain (you didn't mention any specific symptoms), this is actually considered an incidental finding. However, you should exercise prudent body mechanics, as this disc is susceptible to further degeneration and herniation.

Since you mentioned that you're on your feet for long periods of time, it's important to wear very comfortable and supportive shoes, and if you have any foot problems (i.e., flat feet, heel spurs, bunions, etc), you should see a podiatrist or a chiropractor who can fit you for comfortable orthotics for your shoes, which may help to reduce some of the stress on your spine.

If you're not in pain, I'd leave it alone.

I hope that this answers your question.