Best Treatment for a Herniated Disc Without Surgery – Mira Mesa, CA
If you live or work in Mira Mesa and you’ve recently had an MRI showing a herniated or bulging disc, you’re probably not casually researching.
You’re looking for relief.
Disc injuries tend to follow a familiar pattern. At first it’s stiffness. Then pain with sitting. Then maybe burning or shooting symptoms into the leg or arm. Sleep becomes difficult. Normal activities start feeling limited.
Eventually someone says, “You may need injections… or surgery.”
For many people, that feels like the only path forward.
Fortunately, it often isn’t.
Many disc injuries improve without surgery when the underlying cause — pressure on the disc and nerve — is addressed directly and precisely.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, just minutes from Mira Mesa on Murphy Canyon Road, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC specializes in treating MRI-confirmed disc conditions using Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression combined with targeted rehabilitation.
Dr. Boelk is a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist and has spent nearly 20 years focused almost exclusively on disc injuries. He has personally performed over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments and trains doctors nationwide through his Spinal Decompression Training Academy.
This isn’t a small service added to a general practice.
It’s the primary focus of the clinic.
Do I Need an MRI Before Coming In?
Many patients already have imaging when they find us.
But you do not need an MRI first.
If you already have one, bring it.
If you don’t, you can still schedule a consultation.
During your visit, Dr. Boelk performs a thorough exam and determines whether imaging is necessary or whether you’re already a candidate for care. If an MRI would be helpful, he’ll guide you appropriately.
The goal is clarity first — not jumping straight into treatment.
Why Herniated Discs Continue to Cause Pain
A herniated disc isn’t just inflammation or tight muscles.
It’s usually mechanical compression.
When a disc bulges or herniates, it can press on nearby nerves. That pressure:
• reduces circulation
• slows healing
• irritates nerve tissue
• causes radiating pain, tingling, or weakness
If the pressure stays, the symptoms usually stay.
This is why medications or injections may temporarily calm pain but don’t always create lasting change. The disc is still compressed.
To truly improve, that pressure must be reduced.
Why Many Treatments Only Provide Temporary Relief
Most patients try several things before seeking specialized decompression care:
• pain medications
• epidural injections
• rest
• basic physical therapy
• chiropractic adjustments alone
These approaches can help short term, but they often don’t directly change disc pressure.
So symptoms return.
This cycle can go on for months or years and can make surgery seem inevitable.
In many cases, it’s not.
How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Works
Dr. Boelk uses Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) exclusively with the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression System, a computer-guided system designed to safely target specific disc levels.
Unlike traction or inversion tables, true decompression creates negative pressure inside the disc itself. This helps:
• reduce nerve compression
• improve disc hydration
• enhance nutrient exchange
• encourage disc material to retract
• calm irritated nerves
As pressure decreases, many patients notice improved mobility and reduced pain.
Because decompression is passive, it is always paired with active strengthening and stability work. This combination helps support the spine long-term and reduces recurrence.
Passive relief helps you feel better.
Active therapy helps you stay better.
Both matter.
Why Patients from Mira Mesa Choose Dr. Boelk
Disc care is highly technique-dependent. Experience makes a difference.
Dr. Boelk has:
• 21 years specializing in disc rehabilitation
• Over 100,000 decompression sessions performed
• 7 DRX9000 systems in one clinic
• Trained doctors nationwide
• Personally rehabilitated his own serious spine injuries
• Helped thousands avoid surgery
Patients routinely travel from Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Tierrasanta, Clairemont, and across San Diego — and even from out of state and internationally — because they want specialized, experienced care.
Real Patient Experiences
Michael Langsdale
“I had decompression done at another clinic before coming here and it didn’t help at all. The machine felt cheap and inconsistent. When I came to Dr. Boelk’s office, the DRX9000 felt completely different. After about 12 sessions I noticed a real change. My sciatica improved dramatically and I was finally able to get back to normal activity. This place is on another level.”
Summary: Michael had tried decompression elsewhere without success. After switching to proper DRX9000 treatment and protocols, he improved significantly within weeks and returned to normal life.
Calder Pearce
“After years of back issues and trying different treatments, decompression with Dr. Boelk was the first thing that actually addressed the problem. The care was specific and thorough. My pain decreased and my mobility improved more than anything I’d done before.”
Summary: Calder had chronic disc pain and found that targeted decompression finally addressed the root cause rather than just managing symptoms.
Marlo Surovsky
“I came in with consistent low back pain that just wouldn’t go away. After starting decompression and strengthening work, I noticed steady improvement. The whole team is professional and truly cares. I’m back to working out and living normally again.”
Summary: Marlo progressed from daily limitations to normal activity through consistent decompression and guided rehab.
Lisa S., United Kingdom
“I travel from the UK to see Dr. Boelk and his wonderful team. I have 3 bulging discs and one is touching the nerve. The spinal decompression treatment really helps keep me active. I will not go to anyone else for back treatment. This place is number one and they genuinely care about their patients.”
Summary: Lisa travels internationally for care due to the consistency and reliability of her results — reflecting the level of trust patients place in Dr. Boelk’s expertise.
Helpful Things You Can Do at Home
While waiting for evaluation, small habits often reduce irritation:
• Walk frequently
• Avoid long sitting periods
• Sleep with a pillow between knees
• Gentle hip/glute stretching
• Light core stability exercises
• Ice during flare-ups
These won’t fix compression, but they often make daily life more comfortable.
About Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC
• Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
• California X-Ray Radiology Licensed
• Founder, Spinal Decompression Training Academy
• Over 100,000 Spinal Decompression Treatments Performed
• 7 DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression Systems
• Largest Known Provider of Spinal Decompression in California
• Nearly 20 Years Specializing in Disc Rehabilitation
Next Steps
If you’re in Mira Mesa and dealing with ongoing disc pain or sciatica, the first step is simply determining whether you’re a candidate.
You do not need an MRI first.
Here’s exactly what to do:
- Call (619) 298-0800 or text (619) 884-8298
- Schedule your no-charge consultation
- Bring imaging if you have it (optional)
- Review findings directly with Dr. Boelk
- Get clear answers and a personalized plan
Because many patients travel specifically to see Dr. Boelk, new patient spots are limited each week, so scheduling in advance is recommended.
📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 (619) 298-0800
📱 (619) 884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.