Back Surgery Alternative Options in San Diego, CA
Back pain can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of life—work, exercise, sleep, and even simple daily activities. Many people suffering from herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or sciatica are told that back surgery is their only option. However, in many cases, surgery is not necessary and may not provide the relief patients are hoping for.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, we specialize in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD), an advanced, FDA-cleared, research-supported treatment that targets the root cause of back pain—disc compression and nerve irritation—without the risks of surgery.
Why Back Surgery Isn’t Always the Answer
While surgery is sometimes necessary (such as for spinal fractures, tumors, or severe instability), in many cases, back pain is caused by disc compression, which does not require surgery to fix.
Key Reasons Why Surgery May Not Be the Best Option for Many Patients:
🔴 50% Failure Rate for Spinal Fusion – Many spinal fusions fail to relieve pain, and some patients end up in worse condition (this is called Failed Back Surgery Syndrome).
🔴 Long Recovery Times – Spinal surgery often requires months of rehabilitation, limiting work, activity, and travel.
🔴 Increased Risk of Future Surgeries – Once a segment of the spine is fused, added stress is placed on the surrounding discs, leading to further degeneration and additional surgeries down the line.
🔴 Nerve Damage & Scar Tissue – Surgery can create permanent scar tissue or cause nerve damage, which may lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.
🔴 Pain Can Return – If surgery doesn’t correct the root cause of the pain (such as disc compression), symptoms can come back over time.
When Surgery Might Be Necessary
Back surgery can be a good option in cases where:
✔ There is severe nerve damage causing loss of bowel/bladder control (Cauda Equina Syndrome)
✔ A spinal tumor or infection is present
✔ A spinal fracture is causing instability
✔ There is significant structural damage that cannot heal on its own
For all other cases, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may be a better first step before considering an invasive procedure.
How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) Works & Why It’s So Effective
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) with the DRX9000 is a proven, safe, and effective way to relieve back pain by directly addressing disc compression.
How NSSD Works:
✅ Gently decompresses the spine, creating negative pressure that pulls herniated or bulging discs back into place.
✅ Reduces pressure on nerves, alleviating pain, numbness, and weakness caused by nerve compression.
✅ Restores hydration and nutrients to the discs, promoting natural healing instead of cutting or fusing.
✅ Releases tension on surrounding muscles, allowing them to relax and stop guarding the injured area.
Unlike chiropractic adjustments or physical therapy alone, NSSD directly targets the compressed discs, making it one of the most effective long-term solutions for back pain.
Why We ONLY Use the DRX9000 for Spinal Decompression
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, we only use the DRX9000 because it is the most advanced, research-backed spinal decompression machine available.
Why the DRX9000 is Superior:
✔ Clinically Proven – Supported by research from Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, and Duke Medical Center
✔ Precision Controlled – Unlike generic traction machines, the DRX9000 uses logarithmic pull patterns for the best results
✔ FDA-Cleared for Safety & Effectiveness
✔ Non-Invasive, Pain-Free, and No Downtime
We do not use cheaper, less effective traction machines because they do not deliver the same level of precision or lasting results.
Why Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC, is a Leader in Back Pain Treatment
Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC, is one of California’s leading experts in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and has helped thousands of patients avoid unnecessary back surgery.
Why Patients Trust Dr. Boelk:
✔ Over 50,000 decompression treatments performed
✔ Founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, training doctors nationwide
✔ Seven DRX9000 spinal decompression tables – the largest provider in California
✔ Comprehensive care, combining decompression, rehab, and spinal stability training
✔ Patients fly in from across the U.S. and internationally for his expertise
✔ Regardless of referrals from medical doctors, orthopedic specialists, neurologists, or chiropractors, every case is thoroughly evaluated to determine the best treatment approach
Real Patients, Real Results – Avoiding Surgery & Getting Back to Life
⭐ "I was told I needed back surgery, but I avoided it thanks to Dr. Boelk!"
"I saw multiple specialists, all of whom said I needed surgery for my herniated disc. I wanted to avoid it, so I found Dr. Boelk and started decompression therapy. Within a few weeks, my pain improved drastically. Now, I have no pain and never needed surgery!"
📍 Calder Pearce, San Diego, CA – 3/07/25
⭐ "Spinal decompression changed my life!"
"After failed injections and years of pain, I was considering surgery. Thankfully, I found Dr. Boelk. His spinal decompression treatment got me pain-free without surgery, medications, or injections. I highly recommend his clinic!"
📍 Marlo Surovsky, San Diego, CA
⭐ "I travel from the UK to see Dr. Boelk!"
"I have 3 bulging discs, and one is pressing on my nerve. The decompression treatments have kept me active and pain-free without surgery. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!"
📍 Lisa S., United Kingdom
Find Out if You Can Avoid Back Surgery – Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re suffering from chronic back pain, herniated discs, or sciatica and have been told you need surgery, there may be a better way. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression can help relieve pain, restore function, and allow you to avoid the risks and downtime of surgery.
📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
📍 5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92123
📞 Call or Text: 619-298-0800
🌐 SanDiegoBackCare.com
💡 Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief!