Back & Neck Degenerative Disc Disease Pain Relief in Kearny Mesa, CA
Living with chronic back or neck pain can feel like carrying a weight you can never set down. For many in Kearny Mesa, that pain comes from Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) — when spinal discs lose hydration, shrink, and compress nerves. What starts as stiffness can turn into sharp, radiating pain that makes daily life difficult.
The encouraging news? Most cases of back and neck DDD do not require surgery. At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, right here in Kearny Mesa, Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC has spent nearly 20 years helping patients avoid invasive procedures and find lasting relief using Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) and personalized therapy programs.
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
DDD is not technically a disease, but rather the result of natural wear and tear on the discs that cushion the spine. When discs weaken and collapse, nerves can become pinched, leading to pain, weakness, and reduced mobility.
Symptoms of Lumbar (Low Back) DDD
- Constant ache or stiffness
- Sciatica: pain radiating into the hips, buttocks, or legs
- Pain after long periods of sitting or standing
- Relief when lying down or walking short distances
Symptoms of Cervical (Neck) DDD
- Neck stiffness and aching
- Pain radiating into the shoulders, arms, or hands
- Headaches triggered by spinal compression
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the upper limbs
Left untreated, both forms of DDD tend to worsen with time, limiting activity and quality of life.
How NSSD Helps Back & Neck DDD
Most treatments — medications, injections, even surgeries — are designed to mask symptoms rather than fix the cause. NSSD with the FDA-cleared DRX9000 system does the opposite:
- Creates gentle, negative pressure inside damaged discs
- Pulls bulging material away from nerves
- Restores hydration and nutrient flow so discs can heal
- Reduces inflammation and improves spinal alignment
"Dr Boelk is the most understanding, compassionate and knowledgeable doctor. His expertise with the use of the DRX-9000 Decompression machine has eliminated all my Back and Neck Pain. I no longer need an operation to fuse my Neck and Spine. His treatments have Saved My Life!"— Cliff Gonshery
Not All “Decompression” Is the Same
One of the biggest sources of confusion is that many clinics advertise “spinal decompression,” but in reality, they’re offering traction or inversion therapy— not true decompression.
- Traction: Generalized pulling without precision. Relief often fades quickly.
- Inversion Tables: Gravity-based stretch that temporarily eases pressure.
- True NSSD (DRX9000): Individualized, computer-controlled cycles based on MRI findings. Backed by studies from Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Duke, and Mayo Clinic.
"I have had a wonderful experience with Dr. Boelk and his staff. They have the best decompression machines. I’ve been to other places with sub par machines and didn’t get any benefit. After 12 sessions my sciatica is gone and I’m almost back to normal." — Michael Langsdale
The Power of Combining Passive & Active Therapy
Relief from DDD requires more than one approach. That’s why Dr. Boelk integrates active therapy with NSSD.
- Passive Care (NSSD, supportive treatments): Relieves compression, reduces pain, restores disc height.
- Active Care (rehab, mobility, stability): Strengthens supporting muscles, corrects posture, prevents recurrence.
"I had been suffering from back pain for over six months, curled up in a ball at times not knowing what to do. After 4–5 visits with Dr. Cassidy, I was back to normal. I am now pain free and go in for maintenance. Thank you Dr. Cassidy for helping me!" — Alma Moon
Who Qualifies for NSSD?
Not everyone with DDD is a candidate for decompression. During your no-charge consultation, Dr. Boelk will:
- Review MRI findings and history
- Assess the severity of disc degeneration
- Identify whether the pain is disc-related
- Explain expected outcomes honestly
If your case isn’t a good fit, you’ll be referred to the right provider. Patients value this transparency — it ensures no time or money is wasted.
Why Choose Dr. Boelk in Kearny Mesa
- Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
- Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
- Nearly 20 years of experience avoiding unnecessary surgeries
- Over 65,000 decompression sessions performed
- Founder of the Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy
- Patients travel nationally and internationally (Mexico, UK, Spain) to see him
- Only clinic in San Diego with seven DRX9000 decompression machines
- #1 rated spinal decompression clinic in San Diego
- #1 rated spinal decompression doctor in San Diego
"Came to this office with a serious back pain. Was not able to walk for more than 5 minutes. After 8 sessions I can now walk as long as I want with minimal pain. Many thanks to Dr Boelk and his office staff." — Ken Pogrebinsky
At-Home Tips for Supporting Relief
In addition to structured care, these daily habits help support disc health:
- Take daily walks to improve circulation and hydration of discs
- Avoid sitting too long, especially on the toilet, which increases spinal pressure
- Stay hydrated — discs are largely water
- Use good posture while lifting or working at a desk
- Practice gentle stabilization exercises like bridges and bird dogs
Small changes, paired with precise in-office care, make a powerful difference.
Referral Policy
Many patients arrive here through referrals from orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, chiropractors, or physical therapists. However, all patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure Dr. Boelk has the time to determine if care is appropriate.
Don’t Wait – Space Is Limited
Appointments at our Kearny Mesa office fill quickly. With patients traveling in from across the state and even internationally, availability is limited. Dr. Boelk only accepts cases he truly believes he can help, so it’s important to act quickly before your condition worsens.
Schedule Your No-Charge Consultation Today
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
📍 5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92123
📞 Office: 619-298-0800 | Cell: 619-884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com