Can Spinal Decompression Help Sciatica Nerve Pain? – Linda Vista, CA
Why Does Sciatica Keep Coming Back?
One of the most frustrating things about sciatica is that it can improve for a while and then suddenly return.
A patient may feel better after resting, taking medication, receiving an injection, going through physical therapy, or simply waiting several weeks. Then the leg pain comes back after sitting too long, lifting something, exercising, traveling, or sometimes for no obvious reason at all.
For patients dealing with this pattern, the question becomes:
Why does the sciatica keep returning?
In many cases, the answer is that the symptoms improved temporarily, but the underlying problem affecting the lumbar nerve never fully resolved.
Sciatica is not a diagnosis by itself. It describes symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the nerves that eventually form the sciatic nerve.
Common spinal causes include:
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Herniated discs
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Bulging discs
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Disc protrusions or extrusions
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Degenerative disc disease
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Foraminal narrowing
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Spinal stenosis
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Other conditions affecting the lumbar nerve roots
For appropriately selected patients whose sciatica is related to a lumbar disc condition, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression can be an effective treatment option without injections or surgery.
After 10 Years of Sciatica, She Was Finally Pain-Free
Toni H. had dealt with sciatica and back pain for a decade.
Before finding Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC, she had already tried chiropractic care, acupuncture, pain medication, and several other therapies. She had reached the point where back surgery appeared to be the next step.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Toni H. — San Diego, CA
“For the first time in 10 years, I am completely pain-free. My sciatca is gone, and I no longer have back pain.
Before finding Dr. Boelk, I tried chiropractic care, acupuncture, pain medications, and several other therapies that simply didn't work. I was one step away from back surgery when I discovered spinal decompression treatment at The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego.
The results have been incredible. Every visit was comfortable, relaxing, and completely pain-free. Dr. Boelk and Patty always took the time to explain everything and made me feel genuinely cared for throughout the process.
They are warm, welcoming, and truly dedicated to helping their patients.
Thank you, Dr. Boelk and Patty!”
— Toni H., San Diego, CA
Individual results vary, and no patient's response can guarantee another patient's outcome. Toni's experience does demonstrate why persistent or recurrent sciatica deserves a closer look at the underlying cause rather than simply continuing to manage each flare-up as it occurs.
Dealing With Sciatica and Unsure What to Do Next?
Patients from Linda Vista and surrounding San Diego communities can schedule a No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation with Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC.
The consultation provides an opportunity to discuss the symptoms, previous treatment, available imaging, and whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may be appropriate.
Dr. Boelk personally evaluates a limited number of new patients, and consultation appointments are scheduled based on availability.
Call 619-298-0800 to reserve an available consultation.
Live 24/7 Answering Service • Hablamos Español
Why Can Sciatica Return After the Pain Goes Away?
Pain relief and resolution of the underlying problem are not always the same thing.
A medication may decrease pain.
An injection may reduce inflammation.
Rest may allow an irritated nerve to settle down.
An exercise program may improve strength and mobility.
All of those things can be valuable depending on the patient's condition.
But if a damaged or degenerating lumbar disc continues creating mechanical stress around a nerve root, symptoms can return.
This is particularly common when patients immediately resume everything they were doing before the flare-up because the pain has temporarily improved.
A disc problem can involve:
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Loss of disc height
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Disc bulging
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Herniation
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Disc protrusion or extrusion
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Degenerative changes
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Reduced space around a nerve root
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Inflammation surrounding the nerve
This is why Dr. Boelk, DC evaluates more than the patient's current pain level.
The objective is to determine what structure appears to be causing the symptoms and why the problem keeps recurring.
Where the Pain Travels Can Provide Important Information
Sciatica symptoms can vary considerably from one patient to another.
One person may experience pain primarily in the buttock and thigh.
Another may have burning in the calf.
Another may notice numbness or tingling extending into the foot or toes.
Symptoms can include:
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Buttock pain
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Pain down the back or side of the thigh
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Burning leg pain
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Calf pain
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Numbness
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Tingling
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Pins and needles
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Foot pain
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Toe numbness
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Leg weakness
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Foot weakness
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Difficulty sitting
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Difficulty standing or walking
The distribution of symptoms can provide clues about which lumbar nerve root is being affected.
That information becomes more useful when combined with muscle testing, reflexes, examination findings, weight-bearing X-rays, and MRI imaging when appropriate.
What Does an MRI Actually Tell Dr. Boelk?
An MRI can be extremely useful when evaluating persistent sciatica.
It can help identify:
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Which discs are injured
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Whether a disc is bulging or herniated
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Disc protrusions or extrusions
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Degenerative disc changes
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Foraminal narrowing
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Spinal stenosis
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Nerve-root involvement
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Previous surgical changes
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Other structural abnormalities
But an MRI should not be interpreted in isolation.
Some people have significant MRI abnormalities and relatively little pain. Others have severe nerve symptoms associated with findings that may not sound particularly dramatic in a written radiology report.
Dr. Boelk personally reviews available MRI studies and compares the imaging with the patient's symptoms and examination.
Patients do not need to already have an MRI before scheduling a consultation.
How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Is Used for Sciatica
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego uses DRX9000 spinal decompression systems exclusively.
The DRX9000 applies controlled decompression and relaxation cycles to a targeted region of the lumbar spine.
For patients with disc-related sciatica, the objective is to reduce mechanical stress around the injured disc and affected nerve root.
Treatment can be individualized according to:
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Disc level
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Treatment angle
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Patient position
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Starting force
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Body size
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Location of symptoms
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Treatment cycles
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Patient tolerance
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Response to previous treatments
This is considerably different from simply stretching the lower back.
Proper Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression requires appropriate patient selection, correct treatment parameters, clinical monitoring, progression, and rehabilitation when appropriate.
Severe Sciatica Had Taken Away the Activities He Loved
Jayson Yavorsky had been dealing with severe sciatica for more than a year.
His pain extended from his hip all the way into his left foot and eventually interfered with activities including hockey, golf, and surfing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jayson Yavorsky — San Diego, CA
“There isn't enough room to fully explain the relief Dr. Boelk has brought to me and my family.
I found him after suffering from severe sciatica for more than a year. The pain shot from my hip all the way down to my left foot and became almost unbearable. I could no longer enjoy the activities I loved, including hockey, golf, and surfing.
Over the years, I had seen numerous chiropractors and experienced only temporary relief. Acupuncture helped somewhat, physical therapy was difficult to tolerate, and nothing seemed to provide lasting results. I couldn't sleep well, and my quality of life was steadily declining.
Then I met Dr. Boelk.
Through a structured treatment plan, adjustments, rehabilitation exercises, and lifestyle modifications, my life completely changed.
To this day, I tell people that Dr. Boelk saved my life.
Since my own recovery, I have referred my wife, daughter, mother, father, numerous friends, and many clients to his office. Every one of them has thanked me for the recommendation. Most recently, a firefighter friend of mine who was suffering from severe sciatica began treatment and is now making tremendous progress.
If you are considering surgery, I strongly encourage you to have Dr. Boelk evaluate your condition first.
What I respect most is his honesty. If he believes you are not a candidate or that another option would be better, he will tell you.
I trust him with my life and with my back.”
— Jayson Yavorsky, San Diego, CA
Jayson's experience is his own and does not guarantee another patient's response. It does illustrate the effect chronic sciatica can have on sleep, recreation, physical activity, and overall quality of life.
What Happens During a No-Charge Consultation?
A consultation with Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC is designed to help determine whether the patient's condition warrants further evaluation and whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may be appropriate.
The consultation may include:
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Review of the patient's current symptoms
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Discussion of when and how the problem began
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Review of previous treatment and results
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Discussion of previous spinal surgery, if applicable
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Review of existing MRI or X-ray imaging when available
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Discussion of what may be causing the symptoms
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Explanation of whether additional examination or imaging is appropriate
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Questions about Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
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An honest discussion about whether the patient appears to be a potential candidate
There is no obligation to begin treatment.
If Dr. Boelk, DC believes another type of care, additional imaging, or a surgical consultation is more appropriate, he will explain that as well.
Some Patients Travel Hundreds or Thousands of Miles for Care
Patients seeking specialized Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression treatment do not come only from the immediate San Diego area.
Some travel considerable distances.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ira Smith — Las Vegas, Nevada
“My name is Ira Smith. I live in Las Vegas and found out about Dr. Boelk’s program here in San Diego and decided to start treatments with him. I’ve had lower back problems since I was very young. I had aggravated my lower back pretty bad again and usually I could do exercises, chiropractic treatment, rest and this time those things would no longer relieve my pain. I would get the sciatic pain shooting down into my leg and foot and would be pretty bad.
I found out thru my MRI’s that Dr. Boelk went over with me that I had 5 protruding discs. I did not want to get surgery as I have heard and seen that they don’t always work very well at all. I am 2/3 of the way done with Dr. Boelk’s program and I have zero pain. I pretty much go thru my activities with no pain. As I follow the program it has been absolutely fantastic! I have been thru physical therapy, chiropractic programs, I went to the hospital and they told me I have 1 bad disc, but I found out I had 4 more bad discs as well. The treatment has relieved the pain and is not painful at all. This can be the starting point for anyone with back pain to get their life back.
This is the place to start. If your skeptical, what’s your health worth? The cost of this has been way less than the cost of all my other therapies that I have gone thru. This is less money than all those things, less pain and gives you a great quality of life. This is new and modern and it fixes the problem. Use Dr. Boelk’s program to change your life and it will change your life! This is the place to start. -Thank You”
— Ira Smith, Age 49, Las Vegas, Nevada
Individual results vary. Ira's testimonial is included in his own words and reflects his personal experience with treatment.
Not Every Patient Is a Candidate
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is not appropriate for every person with sciatica or back pain.
Depending on the individual circumstances, treatment may not be appropriate for patients with:
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Unstable spondylolisthesis
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Certain spinal fractures
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Significant osteoporosis
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Abdominal aortic aneurysm
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Pregnancy for lumbar treatment
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Certain malignancies
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Certain surgical hardware at the treatment level
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Progressive neurological weakness
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Cauda equina syndrome
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Other conditions that make decompression unsafe
There are also conditions outside the lumbar spine that can produce symptoms resembling sciatica.
Hip disorders, sacroiliac conditions, peripheral nerve problems, and vascular conditions are several examples.
Knowing who not to treat is an important part of providing Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression safely.
He Came Looking for Decompression—But Dr. Boelk Recommended Surgery
The following patient traveled from Tucson hoping to find a non-surgical option.
After evaluating his condition, Dr. Boelk, DC did not recommend a decompression program.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jeff J. — Tucson, AZ
“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 J., Tucson, AZ
Jeff's experience is an important example of the office's approach to patient selection.
The purpose of an evaluation is not to convince every patient to receive spinal decompression.
It is to determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Why Patients Seek Out Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC
Dr. Boelk's practice has focused heavily on Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and difficult disc-related spinal conditions for more than two decades.
His background includes:
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Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
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Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist (PPSC)
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More than 22 years helping patients with disc-related spinal conditions
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More than 100,000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression treatments performed
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Founder of the Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy
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Founding Member of the American Spinal Decompression Society
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Member of the International Disc Education Association
Dr. Boelk has also spent thousands of hours rehabilitating significant neck and lower-back injuries of his own, giving him personal as well as clinical experience with spinal injuries and recovery.
Seven DRX9000 Systems in One San Diego Facility
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego is located in Kearny Mesa, a short drive from Linda Vista.
The facility has:
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7 DRX9000 spinal decompression systems
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4 lumbar DRX9000 systems
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3 cervical DRX9000C systems
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Individualized decompression protocols
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MRI review when appropriate
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Weight-bearing spinal evaluation
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Rehabilitation and spinal stabilization when appropriate
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Careful candidacy screening
Patients seek Dr. Boelk's expertise from throughout San Diego County and California as well as other states and countries, including Mexico, Canada, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
When Sciatica Requires Immediate Medical Attention
Most sciatica does not represent a neurological emergency.
Patients should seek immediate medical evaluation for symptoms including:
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New loss of bladder or bowel control
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Difficulty beginning urination
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Loss of sensation around the groin, genitals, buttocks, or inner thighs
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Rapidly progressing leg weakness
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Sudden difficulty controlling one or both legs
These symptoms can be associated with cauda equina syndrome or another serious neurological condition and require urgent evaluation.
Stop Managing the Next Flare-Up and Find Out Why the Sciatica Keeps Returning
For patients in Linda Vista dealing with recurrent sciatica, burning leg pain, numbness, tingling, or symptoms that keep returning despite previous treatment, a consultation can help determine what is actually causing the problem.
Patients do not need to already have an MRI.
If imaging has been performed, patients are encouraged to bring it for Dr. Boelk, DC to review.
Schedule a No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation
Dr. Boelk personally evaluates a limited number of new patients, so consultation appointments are scheduled based on availability.
There is no obligation to begin treatment.
The goal is to understand the condition, answer the patient's questions, and determine whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is an appropriate option.
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
Office: 619-298-0800
Office Cell: 619-884-8298
Website: www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
Live 24/7 Answering Service
Hablamos Español