Can I Avoid Neck Surgery? – San Diego, CA

 

Non-Surgical Options for Herniated & Bulging Cervical Discs

When neck pain becomes sharp, travels into the shoulder or arm, causes hand tingling or grip weakness, or keeps you from sleeping, it’s natural to worry that surgery is next.

 

For many people across San Diego, CA, that is the moment they find Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC — a doctor who has spent nearly 21 years helping patients avoid unnecessary neck surgery through specialized, research-backed spinal decompression protocols.

 

Why Surgery Gets Recommended So Quickly

When a spinal disc in the neck bulges or herniates, it can press against the nerve root.
This creates inflammation, pain, and muscle guarding that doesn’t always respond to:

• chiropractic adjustments
• physical therapy
• massage therapy
• epidural steroid injections
• pain medication
• stretching or posture training

These can help temporarily, but they do not address the internal disc pressure that’s irritating the nerve.

This is the primary reason why symptoms return — and why surgery is often recommended.

But if the disc pressure can be reduced non-surgically, then surgery may not be necessary.

 

How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Helps

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, treatment is performed using the DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression System — a computer-guided, FDA-cleared technology researched at:

• Stanford University
• Johns Hopkins University
• Duke Medical Center
• Mayo Clinic

This system gently creates a measurable reduction of pressure inside the disc, allowing:

• herniated material to retract off the nerve
• inflammation to calm
• disc hydration and nutrient flow to improve
• nerve function to begin normalizing

Many patients report improvements such as:

✔️ decreased arm pain and tingling
✔️ improved neck mobility
✔️ better sleep and confidence in movement
✔️ reductions in headaches and muscle spasms

When the nerve is no longer being compressed, the body can often heal.

 

Real Patients Who Avoided Surgery

 

Chris Townson – San Diego, CA

02/11/2020

“Dr. Boelk has been there for me. Herniated disc in my lower back herniated disc in my neck and just plain too much sitting at a desk Don’t consider surgical options untill you’ve talked to Dr. Boelk Period end of story!”

 

Jose Mejia – San Diego, CA
01/25/2022

“The Doc is the best he has brought my back from the most horrible back pain I ever had his expertise with decompression is the best and would refer him to anybody that goes through back and neck issues I am so glad I found him thank you so much Doc”

 

These are not isolated results — patients routinely drive and fly in from Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Montana, Mexico, the U.K., and Spain to receive care.

 

At-Home Support (While You Wait for Your Appointment)

These small changes can help reduce nerve irritation:

Posture Reset
Keep screens at eye level — looking down for long periods increases cervical compression.

Sleeping Setup
Use a small towel roll under the neck to maintain a neutral curve and reduce nerve traction.

Gentle Activation
Chin tucks: 5 reps, 3x/day
Supports deep stabilizers without straining the neck.

Avoid For Now

• heavy or overhead lifting
• violent manipulation or self-cracking
• stomach sleeping
• looking down at phones for long intervals

None of this replaces treatment — it simply supports it.

 

Why San Diego Patients Seek Out Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC

This is not a general chiropractic clinic.
This is a specialty practice focused almost exclusively on disc-related conditions and True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression using the DRX9000.

Care is structured for patients who are serious about avoiding surgery and want the highest level of clinical attention — including:

• Customized decompression parameters based on MRI findings
• One-on-one doctor involvement
• Biomechanics and movement retraining
• Stability and postural integration to hold results long-term

Because of this focused approach, patients often travel from out of town and out of the country to receive care.

 

Who May Qualify for Cervical Decompression?

Not everyone qualifies — and that is by design.

During the no-charge consultation, Dr. Boelk evaluates:

• Detailed clinical exam findings
• Neurological and orthopedic testing
• MRI or X-ray imaging when available
• Symptom history and response to prior treatments

If decompression is not appropriate, you will be told clearly and guided to the next best step.

This ensures patients only begin care when there is a reasonable expectation of results.

 

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 Machines in one clinic — largest known 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 a herniated disc, nerve compression, or chronic neck pain — now is the time to take action before symptoms become harder to correct.

Here’s how to begin:

📞 Call (619) 298-0800
📱 Text (619) 884-8298 (after hours welcome)
💻 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com

1️⃣ Schedule your no-charge consultation
2️⃣ Bring your MRI or X-rays if available
3️⃣ Review your findings directly with Dr. Boelk
4️⃣ Learn if you qualify for DRX9000 treatment

 

Important

Because of demand — and the volume of out-of-town patients — appointments are first-come, first-served and often fill quickly.
Securing a consultation early helps ensure timely evaluation and care.

 

📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123

📞 (619) 298-0800
📱 Text: (619) 884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com

 

Referral Policy

Whether you were referred by a medical doctor, neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist, attorney, or a friend —
all patients are seen based on order of scheduling.
This ensures every patient receives the proper time and evaluation they deserve.