Bulging Discs

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Is my pain caused by a bulging disc?

Your back pain may be caused by a bulging disc. It is a spinal intervertebral disc that has a protrusion on its side which may be irritating nearby facet joints or impinging on the spinal cord. Many confuse a herniated disc with a bulging disc. With a bulging disc, there is no break in the annulus fibrosis, the rigid ring that contains the soft center of the disc which is called the annulus pulpous. Many patients may have a bulging disc but feel no pain. It all depends on the proximity of the bulge to adjacent nerves and bones. A bulging disc can cause narrowing of your spinal canal that can result in segmental spinal stenosis.

With a herniated disc, there is a break or herniation in the rigid disc which allows the content of the disc to leak out.

What causes a bulging disc?
Not surprisingly, age is often the primary driver of bulging discs. Fifty-seven percent of Americans over sixty and 20 percent under sixty have at least one bulging disc. The condition occurs gradually. An annular tear or fissure in the soft center of the intervertebral disc may form over time and exert pressure on the rigid outer ring which may deform and bulge slightly. The bulge will irritate adjacent nerve and skeletal structures.
What are the usual treatments for a bulging disc?
Dr. Nourian will provide you with a conservative, holistic treatment plan for your bulging disc that may draw from integrative medicine, chiropractic medicine and acupuncture. He may suggest simple exercises and behavioral changes. For example, if you are a smoker, the time to stop has arrived. Dr. Nourian may suggest non-opiate pain treatments to relieve your pain. In some cases, simple movement exercises or yoga can help.

If the pain from your bulging disc persists despite your best efforts to deal with them conservatively, surgery may be your best option. Dr. Nourian will review all your surgical options and thoroughly explain his Opiate-Free Surgery and Pain Management System which has helped hundreds of patients recover from back pain. Dr. Nourian specializes in the full range of microdecompression surgeries which help eliminate pressure caused by bulging or herniated discs.

A microlaminotomy is a minimally invasive procedure for treating a bulging disc. The surgeon makes an extremely small incision and uses specially-designed tools to open your lamina to provide more room for the bulging disc. For a larger bulging disc, a microdiscectomy or removal of a disc may be your best surgical option. In some cases, spinal fusion may be required. Microsurgical techniques reduce pain, curb inflammation, cut infection rates and provide faster recovery times.

How is a bulging disc diagnosed?
The good news about a bulging disc is that the condition usually does not require surgery and can be treated non-invasively.

Your doctor will physically examine your spine and inquire about any problems that you may be having regarding urination or having a bowel movement. Don’t be embarrassed. This information will help rule out issues relating to your spinal cord. X-rays are routinely taken to assess the overall condition of the spine. A common test for identifying a bulging disc is an MRI. For more details, your doctor may request a Myelogram and a CT scan.

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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

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

Nikesh Patel

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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

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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

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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

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

Sharon Darouvar Greiner

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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