Bulging Disc Hitting Nerve – La Jolla, CA

If you live in La Jolla and have been told you have a bulging disc hitting a nerve, you may be dealing with pain that goes far beyond simple back discomfort. This phrase is commonly typed into Google after MRI findings, worsening leg pain, or when daily activities like sitting, walking, sleeping, or exercising become increasingly difficult.

Many patients in La Jolla come to our office after trying physical therapy, medications, injections, or being told surgery may be their only option—yet they still feel stuck. The reality is that many bulging disc cases can be treated without surgery when the true source of nerve compression is addressed properly.

What Does “Bulging Disc Hitting a Nerve” Mean?

Spinal discs are designed to absorb shock and allow smooth movement. When a disc bulges outward, it can encroach on nearby nerve structures, leading to pain and neurological symptoms that may include:

• Persistent low back pain

• Pain radiating into the buttock, hip, or leg

• Sciatic nerve pain

• Tingling, numbness, or burning sensations

• Weakness in the leg or foot

• Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or prolonged activity

Often, the most intense symptoms are felt away from the spine, which is why many patients initially chase hip, knee, or leg treatments before discovering the true cause.

Why Many Treatments Don’t Resolve the Issue

Most conventional approaches focus on managing symptoms rather than correcting disc pressure and nerve compression:

• Medications may dull pain temporarily

• Injections reduce inflammation but don’t reposition the disc

• General traction lacks precision

• Surgery permanently alters spinal structure and carries risk

If pressure on the nerve remains, symptoms often return—sometimes worse than before.

How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Helps

True spinal decompression is different from standard traction.

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, we use FDA-cleared DRX9000 spinal decompression, designed to:

• Reduce pressure inside the affected disc

• Create a negative pressure environment that encourages disc material to retract

• Improve circulation and nutrient exchange to injured disc tissue

• Calm irritated nerves without forcing or twisting the spine

Every decompression plan is customized based on MRI findings, symptoms, and how your body responds to care.

Why Experience Matters

Not all spinal decompression is the same.

Improper protocols, incorrect settings, or generic treatment plans can worsen symptoms or lead patients to believe decompression “didn’t work.” In reality, outcomes depend heavily on experience, precision, and case selection.

Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC has spent nearly 21 years specializing almost exclusively in disc and nerve compression cases. He has overseen over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments and trains doctors nationwide through the Spinal Decompression Training Academy.

That expertise is why patients from La Jolla, throughout San Diego, and from out of state and overseas seek out his care.

Real Patient Experiences

“I have been dealing with back pain for several years. It got so bad that I had surgery 5 years ago for a bulging disc. About 5 months ago the disc bulged again hitting my sciatic nerve creating pain in my legs that made me want to cry it hurt so bad. After trying so many other options I was fortunate enough to find the spinal decompression and chiropractic center of San Diego. After just a few sessions I noticed a difference. Now after being there for the past few months I'm able to go about my normal life again.
What a blessing it was to find a Dr that genuinely cares and knows how to help people in my situation. Thank you Dr Boelk!”
— Anthony K., San Diego, CA

“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.”
— Lisa S., United Kingdom

“Last year, I spent three months constantly going back and forth between doctor’s appointments and urgent care. The pain was unbearable—I was taking medication regularly just to get through the day. Getting out of bed was excruciating, and walking or standing felt like torture. Every step filled me with dread.
In December, my doctor finally ordered an MRI. That’s when I learned I had an extruded disc pressing on my L5 nerve, which affects the leg and foot. My doctor scheduled two follow-up appointments: one for pain management (spinal injections), and another to evaluate me for surgery.
Then I discovered spinal decompression therapy. I was thrilled to find a non-invasive alternative. I never ended up needing either of those appointments.
Now, I’m walking regularly, standing up straight—something I couldn’t do before. When I first sought help, I was so hunched over that I had to use a cane just to move forward. Because of the pain, I hadn’t exercised in months. But now, I’m doing a program called 75 hard which requires not one but 2 45-minute workouts per day, and I've even gotten back to lifting weights!
I’m so thankful I found this place. It’s conveniently located near my work, which makes it easy to fit sessions into my lunch break. Dr. Boelk and the staff are incredibly friendly and polite—it’s always a pleasure to come in.
The environment is so relaxing that I look forward to each visit. I truly thank God for leading me to this alternative. It’s made such a difference in my life.”
— Amanda, San Diego, CA

“I highly recommend Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC and the team at The Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Center. I came in with severe sciatica and a herniated disc, and his treatments have made a world of difference. He and his staff are both professional and genuinely caring, creating a welcoming and supportive environment. The treatments were not only highly effective but also tailored to my specific needs. I’m grateful for the care I received and the significant improvement in my quality of life.”
— Brian Perrotta, 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!”
— Kaitelyn H., San Diego, CA

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 100,000 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

If you’re dealing with disc pain, nerve compression, or chronic neck or back issues, now is the time to take action before your condition becomes harder to correct.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Call (619) 298-0800 or text (619) 884-8298 after hours.

2. Schedule your no-charge consultation to find out if you qualify for DRX9000 spinal decompression.

3. Bring your MRI or X-rays if available.

4. Review your exam findings with Dr. Boelk and learn about your treatment options so you can make an informed decision.

👉 Consultations are no-charge and carry no obligation.

Because availability is limited and many patients travel in from out of state and overseas, appointments fill quickly, so securing your spot early ensures timely evaluation and care.

📍 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
Whether you were referred by a medical doctor, neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist, attorney, or through a friend or family member, all patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis.
This ensures Dr. Boelk has the necessary time to personally evaluate whether you’re a candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and whether your case can be accepted for care.