Bulging Disc Treatment Without Surgery – San Diego, CA
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a bulging disc and are trying to avoid surgery, you’re not alone.
Many of the patients we see at our San Diego clinic arrive after months — sometimes years — of trying traditional approaches such as chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, medications, rest, injections, or activity modification, only to find that the relief is temporary or incomplete.
In many cases, the problem isn’t simply inflammation or muscle tightness.
It’s ongoing mechanical compression within the spinal disc itself.
Until that pressure is reduced, the disc often cannot heal effectively.
This is exactly where the right form of care makes the difference.
Understanding Why Bulging Disacs Continue to Hurt
A bulging disc develops when prolonged compression forces the outer wall of the disc to protrude outward. This can irritate nearby nerves and create persistent symptoms such as low back pain, sciatica, burning or tingling into the leg, stiffness with sitting, and recurring flare-ups that never fully resolve.
Most conservative treatments focus on managing symptoms.
They may calm inflammation or relax muscles, but they typically do not address the underlying pressure inside the disc.
If the compression remains, healing remains limited.
That’s why many people feel stuck in a cycle of temporary relief followed by recurrence.
Our Focus: Correcting the Cause, Not Masking Symptoms
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, our approach is centered on reducing the mechanical stress placed on the injured disc.
We specialize exclusively in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) using the DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression System — an FDA-cleared, computer-guided technology designed to create measurable changes inside the disc.
When performed properly, spinal decompression can:
• Reduce internal disc pressure
• Improve disc hydration and nutrient exchange
• Encourage retraction of the bulge
• Decrease nerve irritation
• Support natural tissue healing
Rather than simply covering up pain, the goal is to create an environment where the body can actually recover.
Why the Equipment — and the Protocol — Matter
Not all “decompression” is the same.
Basic traction tables, inversion devices, or stretching machines often marketed as decompression lack the precision required to produce consistent clinical outcomes.
Our clinic uses seven DRX9000 units, making us the largest known provider of true spinal decompression in California. Each treatment is carefully programmed to match the patient’s body weight, disc level, and tolerance, ensuring targeted and controlled care.
However, equipment alone isn’t enough.
Experience and protocol are what determine results.
Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC has performed over 100,000 decompression treatments and has spent nearly two decades focused almost exclusively on disc-related conditions. He is also a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor, Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, and the founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he trains doctors nationwide on proper technique and patient selection.
Patients frequently travel from other states and even overseas specifically for this level of expertise.
Passive Therapy Alone Is Not Enough
While decompression reduces pressure, long-term success requires stability and strength.
For that reason, every qualified patient also receives guidance on:
• core stability
• hip strength and mobility
• posture correction
• movement mechanics
• muscular balance
This combination of decompression plus active rehabilitation is what helps results last — not just feel better temporarily.
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
Anthony avoided repeat surgery and returned to normal daily life after decompression care.
“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
Lisa continues to travel internationally because of the consistent relief she receives.
“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…”
— Amanda, San Diego, CA
Amanda avoided injections and surgery and returned to full activity.
“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…”
— Brian Perrotta, San Diego, CA
Brian experienced significant improvement in both pain and quality of life.
“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…”
— Kaitelyn H., San Diego, CA
Kaitelyn regained independence and mobility through care.
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
• 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 are dealing with ongoing disc pain, nerve irritation, or symptoms that haven’t responded to traditional care, early evaluation can often prevent the condition from worsening.
To get started:
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Call (619) 298-0800
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Text (619) 884-8298 after hours
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Bring any MRI or imaging for review
Because many patients travel specifically to see Dr. Boelk, appointment times are limited and tend to fill quickly. Scheduling sooner helps ensure timely care.
📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 Office: (619) 298-0800
📱 Text: (619) 884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
Referral Policy
All patients — whether referred by physicians, therapists, or friends — are seen on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure adequate time for a thorough evaluation and candidacy determination.