Best Treatment for a Herniated Disc Without Surgery – San Diego, CA
If you’ve recently had an MRI and were told you have a herniated or bulging disc, you’re probably searching for answers — and quickly.
Most people don’t start researching treatment options until the pain begins interfering with everyday life.
Sitting becomes uncomfortable.
Sleeping is disrupted.
Pain travels into the leg or arm.
Numbness or tingling appears.
And then comes the part many patients dread hearing:
“You may need injections… or surgery.”
The good news is that for many disc injuries, surgery is not the first or only option.
In fact, thousands of people in San Diego successfully resolve disc-related pain every year without surgery by addressing the root cause of the problem — compression.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC specializes in helping patients with confirmed MRI findings such as herniated discs, bulging discs, and nerve compression improve naturally using precise, non-surgical methods.
Dr. Boelk is a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor, Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, and has performed over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments over nearly 20 years in practice. His clinic houses 7 DRX9000 true spinal decompression systems, making it one of the most experienced decompression centers in California.
Why Herniated Discs Continue to Hurt
A herniated disc is not simply inflammation or a “tight muscle.”
It is usually a mechanical issue.
When a disc bulges or herniates, it places pressure on nearby nerves. That pressure:
• reduces circulation
• slows healing
• irritates nerve tissue
• creates pain, tingling, or weakness
If the compression remains, the symptoms often remain.
This is why medications or injections may calm pain temporarily but don’t always provide lasting results. The pressure is still there.
For true recovery, that pressure needs to be reduced.
Why Many Traditional Treatments Don’t Fully Solve the Problem
Most patients try several things before looking into decompression:
• Pain medications
• Epidural steroid injections
• Rest
• Generic physical therapy
• Adjustments alone
While these can help temporarily, they typically do not directly change disc pressure.
If the disc is still compressed, symptoms often return.
This cycle can go on for months or years, leading people to believe surgery is their only option.
In many cases, there is another step to try first.
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 target specific disc levels safely and precisely.
Unlike basic traction or stretching, true decompression creates negative pressure inside the disc. This helps:
• reduce nerve compression
• improve disc hydration
• promote nutrient exchange
• allow bulges or herniations to retract
• calm irritated nerves naturally
Many patients notice improvements in pain, mobility, and daily function as compression decreases.
Because decompression is passive, it is always combined with active therapy. Strengthening and stability exercises help address underlying imbalances so the problem does not return.
This combination is what leads to more lasting outcomes.
Why Experience Matters With Spinal Decompression
Not all decompression therapy is the same.
Settings, timing, and patient selection are critical.
Dr. Boelk has:
• Nearly 20 years specializing in disc rehabilitation
• Performed over 100,000 decompression sessions
• Trained doctors nationwide through the Spinal Decompression Training Academy
• Built one of the largest decompression practices in California
• Personally rehabilitated his own serious neck and back injuries
Patients routinely travel from throughout San Diego — and from other states and countries — specifically for this level of expertise.
When you’re dealing with a confirmed disc injury, precision matters.
Things You Can Do at Home Right Now
While determining whether you’re a candidate, these simple habits can help reduce irritation:
• Avoid prolonged sitting
• Walk frequently
• Use a pillow between knees while sleeping
• Gentle hip and glute stretching
• Light core activation exercises
• Ice during flare-ups
These won’t fix compression, but they often make daily life more comfortable while healing begins.
Are You a Candidate?
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is often appropriate for:
• Herniated discs
• Bulging discs
• Sciatica
• Pinched nerves
• Radiating leg or arm pain
• MRI-confirmed disc compression
Not everyone qualifies, which is why proper evaluation is important.
If you are not a candidate, you will be told honestly.
If you are, a clear plan is outlined before anything begins.
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 your MRI shows a herniated or bulging disc and you want to explore non-surgical options first, the next step is simple.
Here’s exactly what to do:
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Call
(619) 298-0800 or text(619) 884-8298 -
Bring your MRI or imaging
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Review your findings directly with Dr. Boelk
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Determine candidacy and receive a clear plan
Because many patients travel specifically to see Dr. Boelk and new patient spots are limited each week, scheduling in advance is recommended.
📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
📞 (619) 298-0800
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com