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What causes bone spurs?

Bone spurs are small, pointed or rounded outgrowths of bone that can develop wherever inflammation occurs which is usually near joints. Bone spurs along the spine are common among patients who have degenerative disc disease or osteoarthritis. Some bone spurs may never cause any pain, but if a bone spur compresses a nerve, pain is inevitable.

Bone spurs are formed by a miscommunication in the body that fires up the body’s histamines to fight a perceived injury to a joint. The ligaments of a facet joint are typical vectors for osteoarthritis and bone spurs. The small ligaments of the joints become inflamed with synovitis. The body’s immune response mistakenly commands the cells that form bone deposits to create bone spurs.

How are bone spurs diagnosed?
Bone spurs are best diagnosed using X-rays, myelograms, plus CT and MRI scans. Ultrasound imaging is also an excellent tool for finding the bony deposits.

Location is everything for bone spurs. For example, bone spurs that form near your spinal cord (spinal stenosis) or in your foramina (foraminal stenosis) will generate a specific type of pain if a nerve root that serves your arms or legs is compressed. Bone spurs in your facet joints will often compress local nerve cells producing pain near the vertebra where they are located making it easier to identify their source.

What is the treatment for bone spurs?
Once your doctor has confirmed that your pain is caused by bone spurs, he or she will probably assume that some type of osteoarthritis is afoot and suggest anti-inflammatory medications. This will curb your body’s faulty immune response that is causing the production of the bone spurs. It should also reduce the swelling along the ligaments and joints which may be causing pain. Anti-inflammatories may even help if you have stenosis by reducing swelling along your nerve channels.

Over-the-counter medications are available, but they are not all the same. For example, acetaminophen (Tylenol) will reduce pain but not reduce inflammation. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen will treat pain and inflammation.

For intense pain, some doctors may prescribe opioid-based pain relievers and muscle relaxants. Dr. Nourian’s practice is opioid-free. He may suggest holistic alternatives such as acupuncture, Tai-Chi, yoga, Pilates, and structured, low-impact, exercise programs. Epidural corticosteroid injections may also be components of Dr. Nourian’s treatment plan to reduce pain caused by bone spurs.

Since bone spurs are a sign of inflammation, Dr. Nourian may recommend lifestyle changes such as a diet that includes spices and vegetables that naturally counteract inflammation. If you are a smoker, Dr. Nourian can help you curb a habit that has been shown to impede spine recovery after surgeries.

For those patients who do not respond to non-surgical treatment after a few months, Dr. Nourian may request additional imaging tests. All appropriate surgical options will be reviewed carefully to find the most appropriate microdecompression treatment for your bone spurs. All of Dr. Nourian’s surgeries are opioid-free which reduces the risk of drug dependency in the future.

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Neck & Spine Specialities

Dr. Nourian has an enviable record of successfully treating the full spectrum of neck and spine problems.

Arthritis

Bulging/Herniated Discs

Disease & Disorders

Degeneration

Fractures

Infections

Injuries

Sciatica

Scoliosis

Spinal Stenosis

Stiff Neck

Tumors

General Orthopedics

Specialist in treating a wide variety of injuries and conditions that impact bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

Arthritis

Bursitis

Chronic Pain

Deformities

Disorders

Fractures

Injuries

Sprains

Strains

Tendonitis

Tears

What Patients Think About Dr. Nourian

Awesome awesome doctor!!!very nice to all his patient! Dr. Nourian is very kind and caring. A very pleasant man and easy to communicate with. He saw my son when he injured his hip and He took extra good care of him. After 2 wks he was able to resume sports. He’s not only a very good orthopedic surgeon but also an amazing Spine doctor. He always make sure he always gets the job done. 2 Thumbs up to this Doctor!!!??

Regz Ramos

Patient

Dr. Nourian was fantastic! He was able to alleviate my back pain. I would recommend him to anyone

Nikesh Patel

Patient

Dr. Nourian is the best. His bedside manner is friendly and professional and his staff is excellent. I went to see him after a terrible whiplash injury when I rear-ended while driving. After receiving my MRI results, the doctor was quick to reach out and went over my options with me. He really cares about his patients.

Michelle Sadighpour Shophet

Patient

Dr. Nourian is an outstanding physician. I injured my back while exercising recently. I went to see him, and he explained my injury to me in detail. He told me that my injury would most likely heal without surgery, but if I needed surgery in the future he would get me through it. He is honest, intelligent, and forthcoming. I am thankful for him as my spine physician.

Michael Broukhim

Patient

Dr. Nourian was absolutely fantastic. I was struggling with intense lower back pain. He took his time 40 minutes to be exact to see me and review everything with me after another follow up we decided to do surgery. Thank god!!! I’m back to working out, picking up my child, and living my best life. I was so hesitant to do surgery but he was a true god send. He would call me weekly to see how I’m doing.

Sara Sadig

Patient

Dr. Nourian is smart, caring, attentive and super knowledgeable. I highly recommend him as an orthopedic surgeon!

Sharon Darouvar Greiner

Patient

Great with patients and consciences of patient’s time as well as needs. He will spend time to assure the patients with respect to treatment plan and follow-up was amazing with my auntie’s back issues.

Connie Esparza

Patient

An extremely knowledgeable doctor with wonderful bedside manner. He clearly explained every step of the procedure and eased all my worries. My back is feeling great thanks to Doctor Nourian

Ashley Sadig

Patient

After seeing three doctors and all of them saying I should operate Dr Nourian was able to address and issue without and surgery. I got an epidural and did physical therapy and I’m able to run around with my grand child. He’s truly a gem. Everyone at the office was friendly and supportive.

Katrin Sadighpour

Patient

Dr. Nurian explained everything very well and preformed the surgery exactly as planned. I woke up pain free and the surgery pain was gone in five days. Could not give him enough praise.

Wade Savage

Patient