Best Non-Surgical Treatment for Herniated Disc – San Diego, CA
A herniated disc can create sharp, burning, or radiating pain that affects every part of daily life. Many patients in San Diego experience pain that travels into the hip, glute, or leg, difficulty sitting for long periods, discomfort bending forward, numbness or tingling, and flare-ups that return repeatedly. When conservative care fails or the pain becomes chronic, surgery often gets recommended — but most people prefer to avoid it unless absolutely necessary.
Fortunately, the majority of herniated disc cases do not require surgery. In fact, research shows that disc injuries frequently respond better to targeted non-surgical treatments that reduce disc pressure and relieve nerve irritation.
This is where True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression using the DRX9000 provides a powerful, evidence-based solution.
Why Herniated Disc Pain Happens
A disc herniates when its inner material pushes outward through a weakened or torn outer layer. This leads to:
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Nerve compression
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Inflammation and swelling
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Loss of disc height
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Radiating pain (often sciatica)
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Back stiffness and muscle guarding
Daily activities — sitting, lifting, bending, driving, twisting, and aging — all increase pressure inside spinal discs. Once herniated, the disc becomes unable to heal if pressure remains high and constant.
This is exactly why so many patients report temporary relief from physical therapy, massage, adjustments, pain medications, or injections — but symptoms return. These treatments help the surrounding tissues…but they do not reduce internal disc pressure.
To fully heal, the disc must be placed in a negative-pressure environment where the herniation can retract and the disc can rehydrate.
This is what the DRX9000 is designed to do.
The DRX9000: The Most Effective Non-Surgical Treatment for Herniated Discs
The DRX9000 is the world’s most researched and most precise spinal decompression system, used in multiple university studies (Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Duke Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, and more). It is designed to gently and safely lower pressure inside spinal discs — something no other non-surgical treatment can do with this level of accuracy.
During treatment, the DRX9000:
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Creates negative pressure inside the disc
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Helps retract herniations
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Reduces pressure from irritated nerves
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Restores disc hydration and height
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Promotes long-term healing
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Decreases inflammation and muscle guarding
Patients typically describe the process as relaxing, gentle, and restorative.
At the Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC utilizes seven DRX9000 tables, making it the largest known DRX9000 facility in California. Each treatment is customized according to MRI findings, spinal mechanics, body type, and injury pattern.
The combination of precision, individualized settings, and decades of clinical experience is what produces consistently strong outcomes.
Why Spinal Decompression Outperforms Other Non-Surgical Options
Physical Therapy
Helps strengthen muscles and improve mobility but does not change internal disc pressure.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Helpful for joint motion but cannot retract a herniated disc.
Massage & Stretching
Reduce muscle tension but do not address disc height.
Medications or Injections
Reduce inflammation temporarily but do not fix the mechanical compression.
DRX9000 Spinal Decompression
Directly reduces disc pressure — the underlying biomechanical cause of many herniations.
This is why True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is considered the best non-surgical treatment for herniated discs for patients who want long-term results, not temporary symptom relief.
Real Patient Experiences
Calder Pearce — San Diego, CA
“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.”
Marlo Surovsky — San Diego, CA
“I was so tired of being in pain and felt I had tried all resources. After two unsuccessful cortizone shots in my back (cash out of pocket) recommended by my primary care doctor who assured me that would do the trick, I began asking people about their experience with back surgery. Even my primary care doctor said it might have to be considered. I wanted to stay as far away from the knife as possible.
Sometimes Google is magic...I began to explore other options and found many useful information on spinal decompression. It is not a quick fix. Healing takes time and patience. I am so grateful I found Dr. Boelk and staff at the Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Center. Of course his 5 star reviews intrigued me. (and he deserves every one of those 5 star reviews).
After a consultation where I never felt rushed and I FELT HEARD I decided to commit to a treatment plan.
I am now pain free after 18 treatments. I plan to continue a maintenance routine as part of my self care goals moving forward and I'm finally feeling zero discomfort.
No meds. Just commiting to Dr. Boelk's recommended treatment plan.”
Lisa S. — United Kingdom
“I travel from the UK to see Dr Boelk and his wonderful team . I have 3 bulging disc and one is touching the nerve. I have the spinal decompression treatment and it really helps keep me in my active life . I will not go to anyone else for back treatment, this place is number one and they genuinely care about their patients.”
Kaitelyn H. — San Diego, CA
“The care I received at Dr. Boelk’s office was so wonderful. I went from having to lay down for several hours a day, to being able to live my life normally, and even began working up my exercise capacity. I always felt cared about, and there was a lot of feedback. The exercise and information Dr. Boelk provides is so critical to maintaining positive results and pain reduction with increased mobility and freedom. All the staff are so caring, and it’s one of the best decisions I made for my back!”
Why Patients Choose Dr. Boelk for Herniated Disc Treatment
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21 years specializing exclusively in spinal decompression
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Over 75,000 spinal decompression treatments performed
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Seven DRX9000 machines in one clinic
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Patients travel from out of state and overseas
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Personalized protocols based on imaging
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Integration of corrective rehab to ensure long-term results
When combined with corrective movement and stabilization training, decompression provides one of the best non-surgical treatment paths available for disc herniations.
About Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC
• Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
• California X-Ray Radiology Licensed Doctor
• Member, International Disc Education Association
• Founder, Spinal Decompression Training Academy
• Over 75,000 Spinal Decompression Treatments Performed
• 7 DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression Machines in One Clinic
• Largest Known Provider of Spinal Decompression in California
• Nearly 21 Years Specializing Exclusively in Decompression Care
• Rated #1 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Office in San Diego
Next Steps Toward Lasting Relief
For individuals dealing with a herniated disc in San Diego, early evaluation improves the likelihood of successful correction.
Here’s how to begin:
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Call (619) 298-0800 or text (619) 884-8298 after hours.
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Schedule a no-charge consultation to determine whether DRX9000 spinal decompression is appropriate for your condition.
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Bring your MRI or X-rays if available.
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Review your findings with Dr. Boelk and learn about your treatment options so you can make an informed decision.
👉 Consultations are no-charge and carry zero obligation.
👉 Appointment spots fill quickly due to high demand and travel-in patients.
📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 Office: (619) 298-0800
📱 Text Line: (619) 884-8298
🌐 Website: www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
Referral Policy
Patients referred by medical doctors, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, attorneys, or friends/family are seen on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure proper time for personalized evaluation.