Back Surgery vs Non-Surgical Treatment – San Diego, CA
How to Compare Your Options Before Making a Decision
If you’ve been told you may need back surgery for:
- a herniated disc
- sciatica
- chronic low back pain
- degenerative disc disease
- nerve-related symptoms
you’re likely trying to figure out one thing:
👉 Should I move forward with surgery… or is there another option?
This is one of the most important decisions you can make regarding your health.
The truth is:
- some patients truly do need surgery
- others may respond very well to non-surgical treatment
The key is knowing the difference—and that comes from the right evaluation.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC focuses on helping patients understand whether they may be candidates for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) before committing to surgery.
Real Patient Experience – Comparing Options Before Surgery
“Dr. Boelk and his team are the best in the business! I have had lower back problems for over 5 years and been to 6 other doctors seeking options other than surgery. I came in early January not able to bend and walking with a limp. By February I was able to bend again with minimal pain and by March I am now able to bend without any pain and am able to walk normally.
I am EXTREMELY happy I did not have surgery and found Dr. Boelk. Trust him and the process and he will get you feeling better. He also said from the beginning that if at any stage in the process he felt like progress wasn't happening he would let me know which was not the case with other specialist I have seen in the past so I appreciate that.”
— Calder Pearce, San Diego, CA
Summary: After seeing multiple providers and considering surgery, Calder improved significantly with non-surgical treatment and avoided surgery.
Understanding Back Surgery
Back surgery is typically recommended when:
- nerve compression is severe
- symptoms are progressively worsening
- there is significant weakness
- conservative care has not helped
- structural instability is present
Common procedures include:
- discectomy
- laminectomy
- spinal fusion
For the right patient, surgery can be necessary and appropriate.
Understanding Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical treatment focuses on:
- reducing pressure on discs and nerves
- improving spinal function
- restoring movement
- supporting long-term stability
At our office, this is done using:
👉 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (DRX9000)
👉 combined with targeted rehabilitation
What Most People Miss Before Choosing Surgery
One of the biggest issues we see is this:
Many patients are told they need surgery before the true cause of their symptoms is fully understood.
They’ve often:
- had a quick MRI review
- been told “you have a disc issue”
- and then given limited options
But not all disc injuries behave the same.
👉 Some respond very well to the right non-surgical approach
👉 Others do not
That’s why proper evaluation matters.
Real Patient Experience – Severe Sciatica Without Surgery
“Dr. Boelk has been a life saver. Have had constant lower back and sciatica pain for over 8 plus months, no pills helped and on track for multiple shots but with the treatment given I have found relief and down to zero pain. As a firefighter that relies on his body to help others and the results I have experienced it's totally worth looking into what Dr. Boelk can do for you.”
— Joshua T., San Diego, CA
Summary: After months of severe sciatica and progression toward injections, Joshua achieved complete pain relief without surgery.
Why Non-Surgical Treatment Can Work
Many cases of back pain and sciatica involve:
- disc bulges or herniations
- inflammation
- nerve irritation
- movement dysfunction
Non-surgical decompression aims to:
- reduce pressure within the disc
- decrease nerve irritation
- improve circulation and healing
- allow the body to recover more naturally
At our office:
- 7 DRX9000 units (4 lumbar, 3 cervical)
- over 100,000 decompression treatments performed
- treatment is customized for each patient
Dr. Boelk is a:
- Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
- Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
- Founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy
Real Patient Experience – Failed Other Treatments
“I have had a wonderful experience with Dr. Boelk and his staff at the Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Center of San Diego. They have a great protocol and the best decompression machines. I’ve been to other places with sub par machines and didn’t get any benefit. Dr. Boelk is very attentive and cares about each person, you can see it in how he interacts with everyone. Been undergoing treatment for about 12 sessions now and the sciatica is gone and I’m almost back to normal, didn’t think it would ever heal but even after the first session I had tremendous relief and could sleep mostly pain free for the first time in months. Definitely worth the investment! Thank you!”
— Michael Langsdale, San Diego, CA
Summary: After unsuccessful care elsewhere, Michael experienced significant improvement using customized decompression treatment.
Not Everyone Is a Candidate
This is extremely important.
Some patients:
- do require surgery
- are not appropriate candidates for decompression
- need additional medical intervention
Real Patient Experience – When Surgery Is Necessary
“I found this terrific practice on social media. I followed up and did my own research so I decided to pay them a visit. The place is clean, well organized and run by a very efficient receptionist. I met with the doctor and after a honest and forthright conversation, we both determined that surgery was my only option to correct my back issues. I will return as a customer when the time is right.”
— Jeff J., Tucson, AZ
Summary: Jeff was honestly advised that surgery was the most appropriate path, reinforcing the importance of proper evaluation.
Which Option Is Right for You?
The answer depends on:
- your diagnosis
- severity of symptoms
- imaging findings
- response to prior treatment
That’s why guessing is not the right approach.
👉 A proper evaluation is.
Schedule a No-Charge Consultation – San Diego, CA
If you’ve been told that back surgery may be your next step, but want to understand whether non-surgical options may still be available…
the first step is determining:
- what is actually causing your symptoms
- whether disc or nerve pressure is involved
- whether you are a candidate for treatment
- and whether non-surgical care may be appropriate in your case
A no-charge consultation is available for this purpose.
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 Office: 619-298-0800
📱 Call/Text: 619-884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
✔ 24/7 answering service
✔ Hablamos Español
Please note:
All consultations are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure adequate time is available for proper evaluation.