Can Spinal Decompression Help Degenerative Disc Disease? | San Diego, CA

If you've been told you have degenerative disc disease, you may be wondering what that means for your future.

Will your back continue to get worse? Is the disc permanently damaged? And if physical therapy, chiropractic care, or injections haven't helped enough, are there other options before considering surgery?

These are questions Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC, regularly hears from patients visiting The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego.

Degenerative disc disease, often called DDD, is extremely common, especially as we get older. But having disc degeneration on an MRI doesn't necessarily mean you're going to experience chronic pain or need surgery.

For some patients with disc-related neck or lower back pain, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may be considered as part of a conservative treatment program.

The important thing is understanding whether the degenerative disc is actually causing the symptoms and whether the spine is stable enough for treatment.

A Patient's Experience With Chronic Back Pain

Steve Robinson — Patient Testimonial

Chronic lower back pain

“Dr. Boelk is professional, kind, and truly prioritizes his patients’ health.

The spinal decompression treatments, combined with the exercises and guidance he provided, have reduced my back pain to the point that I can sleep again.

Traditional chiropractic adjustments did not help my lower back—but spinal decompression did.

I highly recommend Dr. Boelk.”

Steve's testimonial describes chronic lower back pain but does not establish degenerative disc disease as his specific diagnosis. His experience illustrates why some patients explore different conservative treatment approaches when their symptoms persist.

Find Out Whether You May Be a Candidate — No-Charge Consultation

Dr. Boelk offers a limited number of No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultations each week for patients interested in learning whether spinal decompression may be appropriate.

These appointments are intended to help patients understand their condition and what treatment options may be worth considering.

During the consultation, patients can expect:

1. A discussion of their symptoms, including where the pain occurs, how long they've experienced it, and what activities make it better or worse.

2. A review of their health history and previous treatments, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, injections, medications, and surgery.

3. A discussion of available MRI findings, when appropriate, to help explain disc degeneration, disc height loss, herniations, or other changes.

4. An explanation of the DRX9000 spinal decompression system, including how treatment works and what conditions may be suitable.

5. An initial discussion of possible candidacy and reasons spinal decompression might not be recommended.

6. Recommendations for the next step, whether that's a comprehensive examination, additional imaging, another conservative treatment, or referral to a specialist.

Patients can also ask questions about the treatment process, typical scheduling, and program options.

The No-Charge Consultation is not a complete examination or final determination of candidacy. If additional testing is needed, the office will explain the recommendations and any associated fees before proceeding.

Because Dr. Boelk personally conducts these consultations, only a limited number are available each week. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Call 619-298-0800 to request your consultation.

The office has a 24/7 live answering service. Hablamos Español.

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Despite its name, degenerative disc disease isn't necessarily a disease in the traditional sense.

It describes changes that occur in the spinal discs over time.

The discs sit between the vertebrae and help absorb forces while allowing the spine to move.

A healthy disc contains a softer central portion surrounded by a tougher outer ring. The disc also contains water, which helps it maintain its height and mechanical properties.

As discs age, they gradually lose some of their water content and may become less flexible.

The disc can also lose height, develop small tears in its outer layers, or become associated with changes in the nearby vertebral endplates.

These changes may occur in the cervical spine, lumbar spine, or both.

Common MRI findings include disc desiccation, reduced disc height, disc bulging, endplate changes, and sometimes associated facet arthritis.

It's important to understand that these findings are common even in people who have no pain.

The challenge is determining whether the disc degeneration is actually contributing to the patient's symptoms.

What Does Degenerative Disc Disease Feel Like?

Some patients with degenerative disc disease have no symptoms at all.

Others experience persistent neck or lower back pain, stiffness, or discomfort that becomes worse with certain activities.

In the lower back, patients may notice pain after prolonged sitting, bending, lifting, or standing.

Some feel better when they change positions or lie down.

If a degenerative disc also bulges or herniates and irritates a nearby nerve, symptoms may travel into the buttock or leg.

In the neck, degenerative changes can contribute to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, or symptoms traveling into the shoulder and arm.

However, not all pain in these areas comes from a degenerative disc.

Facet arthritis, muscular problems, spinal stenosis, and other conditions can produce similar symptoms.

Dr. Boelk evaluates the patient's history, examination findings, and imaging together before recommending treatment.

Can Spinal Decompression Help a Degenerative Disc?

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression uses controlled mechanical traction to apply carefully regulated forces to the spine.

The goal is to reduce mechanical loading on selected spinal structures and potentially decrease irritation associated with certain disc-related conditions.

For some patients with disc-related pain, traction may provide symptom relief or improve tolerance for daily activities.

However, it's important to understand what spinal decompression can and cannot do.

Spinal decompression has not been proven to regenerate a severely degenerated disc, permanently restore lost disc height, or reverse the aging process.

Although some patients report improvement, clinical evidence specifically supporting proprietary motorized spinal decompression systems for degenerative disc disease remains limited.

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Boelk exclusively uses DRX9000 spinal decompression systems.

The office has seven tables for cervical and lumbar treatment.

Dr. Boelk evaluates each patient individually and considers spinal stability, neurological findings, imaging, and previous treatment history before recommending care.

Why Disc Height Loss Matters

As a spinal disc degenerates, it may lose height.

That can change how forces are distributed through the spine and may place additional stress on the facet joints.

Disc height loss can also contribute to narrowing of the openings where spinal nerves exit.

This is called foraminal stenosis.

For example, a patient with advanced degeneration at L5-S1 may also have reduced disc height and narrowing around the exiting L5 nerve roots.

Another patient may have degenerative changes at L4-L5 along with a disc bulge or herniation.

These combinations are common.

However, disc degeneration alone doesn't establish that spinal decompression will help.

The degree of degeneration, stability of the spine, and source of symptoms all influence treatment recommendations.

Why an MRI Doesn't Tell the Whole Story

Patients sometimes become concerned when they read MRI descriptions such as severe disc degeneration, disc desiccation, or advanced degenerative changes.

Those findings can sound alarming.

But MRI findings don't always correlate directly with pain.

Some people have advanced degeneration and remain physically active with very little discomfort.

Others have relatively modest changes but experience significant pain.

Dr. Boelk considers whether the patient's symptoms match the imaging findings.

He also evaluates spinal movement, neurological function, and the possibility of instability.

When appropriate, standing X-rays, including flexion and extension views, may provide additional information about spinal alignment and movement.

This is particularly important when degenerative spondylolisthesis is present.

What If Physical Therapy Hasn't Helped?

Physical therapy is often one of the first treatments recommended for degenerative disc disease.

A well-designed program may include strengthening, mobility exercises, movement retraining, and gradual increases in activity.

Many patients improve with these approaches.

Others continue to experience pain despite completing a reasonable course of treatment.

When that happens, it's important to reconsider the diagnosis and determine whether another structure may be contributing to the symptoms.

For selected patients, traction-based care may be considered alongside rehabilitation.

Others may benefit more from medication management, injections, additional diagnostic testing, or consultation with a spine specialist.

The goal is to improve function and reduce symptoms without recommending unnecessary treatment.

When Spinal Decompression Is Not Appropriate

Not everyone with degenerative disc disease is a candidate for spinal decompression.

Patients with significant spinal instability, unstable spondylolisthesis, certain fractures, fusion hardware at the intended treatment level, or other medical contraindications may not be suitable.

Severe fixed bony stenosis or progressive neurological weakness may require another treatment approach.

New bladder or bowel dysfunction, saddle anesthesia, or rapidly worsening neurological weakness requires emergency medical evaluation.

Sometimes surgery is the more appropriate recommendation.

Jeff J. — Tucson, Arizona

Patient who was not a candidate for spinal decompression

“I found this terrific practice on social media.

I followed up and did my own research so I decided to pay them a visit.

The place is clean, well organized and run by a very efficient receptionist.

I met with the doctor and after a honest and forthright conversation, we both determined that surgery was my only option to correct my back issues.

I will return as a customer when the time is right.”

Jeff's testimonial doesn't specify degenerative disc disease as his diagnosis, but it illustrates why proper screening matters.

Can Degenerative Disc Disease Get Better Without Surgery?

Yes. Many people with degenerative disc changes improve with conservative treatment.

Although the structural changes in the disc may remain, pain and functional limitations can improve considerably.

Exercise, physical therapy, appropriate activity modification, and other conservative treatments may help patients remain active.

Some patients also benefit from injections or other interventions.

Surgery is generally considered when symptoms remain disabling despite appropriate conservative care or when significant neurological problems require intervention.

The decision depends on the patient's condition, not simply the degree of degeneration seen on MRI.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC

Dr. Boelk has spent more than 22 years specializing in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and evaluating patients with complicated cervical and lumbar spine conditions.

His professional credentials and affiliations include:

• California Licensed Doctor of Chiropractic

• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor

• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist (PPSC)

• California X-ray Radiology Licensed Doctor

• Founder, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy

• Founding Member, American Spinal Decompression Society

• Member, International Disc Education Association

Throughout his career, Dr. Boelk has accumulated experience with more than 100,000 spinal decompression sessions and has trained other healthcare professionals in spinal decompression protocols and patient selection.

His interest in spinal rehabilitation is personal as well.

After fracturing his back when he was younger and experiencing additional spinal injuries later in life, he developed a particular interest in spinal mechanics, rehabilitation, and conservative treatment options.

Today, his San Diego clinic has seven DRX9000 spinal decompression tables dedicated to treating cervical and lumbar conditions.

Patients visit from throughout San Diego County, other states, and internationally.

Traveling to San Diego for Spinal Decompression

Some patients travel considerable distances to seek Dr. Boelk's expertise.

Lisa S. — United Kingdom

Patient with bulging discs and nerve involvement

“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 testimonial describes bulging discs and nerve involvement rather than a confirmed diagnosis of degenerative disc disease.

For patients traveling from outside San Diego, the office can explain the evaluation process, scheduling considerations, and which records may be helpful before making travel arrangements.

Not every patient will qualify for treatment.

Common Questions About Degenerative Disc Disease

Is degenerative disc disease a normal part of aging?

Degenerative disc changes become more common with age. However, the presence of degeneration doesn't necessarily mean a person will experience pain or disability.

Can degenerative disc disease cause sciatica?

Yes. If disc degeneration is associated with a herniation, disc height loss, or foraminal narrowing that irritates a nerve, it can contribute to sciatica.

Can spinal decompression rebuild a degenerated disc?

There is no strong clinical evidence that motorized spinal decompression regenerates damaged discs or permanently restores lost disc height.

Is walking good for degenerative disc disease?

Walking is often beneficial when tolerated. It helps maintain activity and can be part of a broader rehabilitation program.

Can I exercise with degenerative disc disease?

Many people can exercise safely with degenerative disc changes. Exercise selection should depend on symptoms, neurological findings, and overall spinal stability.

Does degenerative disc disease always get worse?

Not necessarily. Degenerative changes may progress over time, but symptoms often fluctuate and may improve with appropriate care.

How many spinal decompression treatments are needed?

There is no single schedule appropriate for everyone. Dr. Boelk considers the condition, severity of symptoms, neurological findings, and response to care before recommending a treatment plan.

Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment in San Diego, CA

If you've been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and continue to experience persistent neck pain, lower back pain, sciatica, or symptoms traveling into an arm or leg, it may be worth exploring your treatment options.

Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC, has spent more than 22 years helping patients with complicated spinal conditions understand their options for conservative care.

Not everyone with degenerative disc disease is a candidate for spinal decompression. The first step is determining whether the disc changes are actually contributing to the symptoms and whether treatment is appropriate.

Request a No-Charge Consultation

A limited number of No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultations are available each week.

During the appointment, Dr. Boelk will discuss your symptoms and treatment history, review available MRI findings when appropriate, explain how the DRX9000 system works, and discuss whether you may be a candidate or need further evaluation.

Patients can also ask questions about the treatment process and typical scheduling.

The consultation is not a comprehensive examination, and there is no obligation to begin treatment.

Because Dr. Boelk personally conducts these consultations, appointments are limited and scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Call 619-298-0800 to request an appointment.

The office has a 24/7 live answering service. Hablamos Español.

The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 619-298-0800
Website: www.SanDiegoBackCare.com

Serving San Diego, Kearny Mesa, La Jolla, Chula Vista, Mira Mesa, Clairemont, Tierrasanta, and surrounding communities.