Final answer:
Annular tear syndrome involves the herniation of an intervertebral disc, which can cause back pain and muscle weakness due to the compression of a spinal nerve.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition called annular tear syndrome involves a weakening of the anulus fibrosus, which is the tough exterior layer of an intervertebral disc. This can lead to the herniation, or protrusion, of the nucleus pulposus, which is the soft, gel-like center of the disc. When this herniation occurs, it can compress a spinal nerve, potentially resulting in back pain and muscle weakness in specific body regions served by the impacted nerve.
A herniated intervertebral disc, often associated with symptoms such as pain or muscle weakness, can be identified in a superior view image as depicted in Figure 7.30, where it shows the displacement of disc material. It is essential to understand the anatomy of the spine to grasp how disc herniation can lead to neural compression and the associated symptoms.