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Can Spinal Decompression Help a Herniated Disc? – El Cajon, CA

Can Spinal Decompression Help a Herniated Disc? – El Cajon, CA

What If Your Herniated Disc Is Not Getting Better?

Many patients with a herniated disc do not start out looking for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.

They may first try medication, rest, chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, injections, or simply reducing their activity and hoping the problem settles down.

Sometimes those approaches help.

Sometimes the pain improves temporarily and then returns.

And sometimes, despite several different treatments, the patient is still dealing with lower-back pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, or difficulty doing normal activities.

At that point, it may be worth taking another look at the underlying problem.

A lumbar disc injury can cause pain directly in the lower back. If the injured disc irritates or compresses a nearby nerve, symptoms can also travel into the buttock, thigh, calf, foot, or toes.

Patients may experience:

  • Lower-back pain

  • Sciatica

  • Burning leg pain

  • Numbness or tingling

  • Pins and needles

  • Calf or foot pain

  • Leg weakness

  • Difficulty sitting

  • Difficulty standing or walking

  • Pain that repeatedly returns after activity

For appropriately selected patients, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may be an option for certain herniated discs, bulging discs, disc protrusions, extrusions, degenerative disc conditions, and associated nerve irritation.

The first step is determining whether the disc problem is actually responsible for the symptoms and whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is appropriate.

His Bulging Disc Returned After Previous Surgery

Anthony K. had already undergone surgery for a bulging disc. Several years later, the disc problem returned and began affecting his sciatic nerve.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Anthony K. — San Diego, CA

“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's experience is his own and does not guarantee another patient's results. His case does show why recurrent disc-related pain deserves a fresh evaluation, even when a patient has already undergone surgery in the past.

Still Hurting From a Herniated Disc?

Patients from El Cajon and throughout East County can schedule a No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation with Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC.

Patients who already have an MRI, X-rays, or other spinal imaging are encouraged to bring them. Imaging is not required simply to schedule the consultation.

The purpose is to discuss:

  • What symptoms the patient is experiencing

  • How long the problem has been present

  • What treatments have already been attempted

  • Whether previous treatment helped temporarily or not at all

  • What available MRI or X-ray imaging shows

  • Whether additional evaluation or imaging may be appropriate

  • Whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may be an option

Consultation appointments are limited based on availability.

Call 619-298-0800 to schedule a No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation.

Live 24/7 Answering Service • Hablamos Español

Why Can a Herniated Disc Keep Causing Pain?

A disc injury can involve more than one problem.

There may be mechanical stress affecting the injured disc. Disc material may extend into an area occupied by a nerve. Inflammation can develop around the injured tissues. Degenerative changes may reduce the amount of available space around the nerve.

This helps explain why two people with seemingly similar MRI findings can feel completely different.

One patient may primarily experience lower-back pain.

Another may experience severe sciatica.

Another may have numbness or tingling with relatively little pain.

And another may notice weakness in the leg or foot.

Dr. Boelk, DC evaluates the complete clinical picture rather than treating an MRI report.

That can include:

  • Where the pain begins

  • Whether symptoms travel into the leg

  • How far the symptoms travel

  • Areas of numbness or tingling

  • Muscle weakness

  • Sitting tolerance

  • Standing tolerance

  • Walking tolerance

  • Activities that aggravate the symptoms

  • Previous treatments and results

  • Previous spinal injuries or surgery

  • MRI findings when available

  • Weight-bearing spinal alignment

  • Spinal stability

The objective is to understand why the patient continues having symptoms before deciding what treatment may be appropriate.

Why Didn't Previous Treatment Work?

There is no single answer that applies to every patient.

Sometimes a treatment was simply not appropriate for the underlying condition.

Sometimes medication or an injection reduced inflammation temporarily but did not address the mechanical component of the disc injury.

Sometimes physical therapy helped improve mobility and strength, but the irritated nerve remained too sensitive for the patient to progress normally.

Sometimes the patient improved and returned to normal activity faster than the injured area could tolerate.

And sometimes the original diagnosis needs to be reconsidered.

Persistent symptoms do not automatically mean surgery is necessary.

They do mean the condition deserves another look.

What Can an MRI Show?

An MRI can provide detailed information about the spinal discs, nerves, spinal canal, and surrounding structures.

The report may contain terms such as:

  • Disc bulge

  • Disc protrusion

  • Disc herniation

  • Disc extrusion

  • Annular fissure

  • Disc desiccation

  • Degenerative disc disease

  • Foraminal narrowing

  • Central canal narrowing

  • Nerve-root impingement

These terms can sound intimidating, but they do not determine treatment by themselves.

A finding that sounds relatively small can still be important if it corresponds with the patient's symptoms and affects a nerve.

A larger abnormality may be less clinically important if it does not correspond with the patient's complaints.

Dr. Boelk, DC personally reviews available MRI studies and compares those findings with the patient's history and clinical presentation.

Disc Herniation Was Interfering With His Everyday Life

Paul C. described losing mobility and even having difficulty putting on his shoes because of back pain related to disc herniation.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Paul C.

“I have been seeing Dr. Boelk since November for my back pain due to disc herniation. I lost mobility and had difficulty even putting shoes on. The pain was interfering with my everyday lifestyle. After reviewing the X-ray results, we agreed upon a treatment plan. Agreeing to this treatment plan was the best choice I've made for my back pain. The spinal decompression has relieved all the pain I felt in my lower back. I can walk, run and exercise without any pain and I'm able to get back in the gym and continue my daily routines. The office staff are very friendly and caring as well. I highly recommend Dr. Boelk's office to anyone seeking exceptional care.”

— Paul C.

Paul's experience is his own and does not guarantee another patient's results.

How Is the DRX9000 Used for a Herniated Disc?

The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego uses DRX9000 systems exclusively for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.

The DRX9000 applies controlled decompression and relaxation cycles to a targeted region of the spine.

For an appropriately selected patient with a disc-related condition, the goal is to reduce mechanical stress affecting the injured spinal region and surrounding nerve structures.

Treatment parameters can be individualized according to factors such as:

  • Disc level being treated

  • Treatment angle

  • Patient positioning

  • Starting force

  • Body size

  • Location of symptoms

  • Treatment cycles

  • Patient tolerance

  • Response to previous treatments

There is no single decompression setting that should be used for every patient with a herniated disc.

The equipment matters, but so do patient selection, treatment parameters, progression, clinical monitoring, and rehabilitation.

What Does the No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation Consist Of?

The consultation gives patients an opportunity to sit down with Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC and discuss what has been happening before deciding what to do next.

The consultation consists of:

  • Reviewing the patient's current symptoms

  • Discussing when and how the problem began

  • Reviewing treatments that have already been attempted

  • Discussing what helped, what did not help, and whether any relief was temporary

  • Discussing previous spinal injuries or surgeries

  • Reviewing existing MRI or X-ray imaging when available

  • Discussing how imaging findings may relate to the symptoms

  • Determining whether further examination or imaging may be appropriate

  • Answering questions about Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

  • Discussing whether the patient appears to be a potential candidate

  • Explaining the next step if further evaluation or treatment is appropriate

There is no obligation to begin treatment.

If Dr. Boelk, DC does not believe Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is appropriate, he will explain that as well.

He Travels From Las Vegas for Treatment

Ira Smith had dealt with lower-back problems since he was young. When the usual things he relied on—exercise, chiropractic care, and rest—stopped providing relief, he traveled from Las Vegas to San Diego for treatment.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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

Ira's testimonial reflects his individual experience and does not guarantee another patient's results.

Not Every Patient With a Herniated Disc Is a Candidate

Finding a herniated disc on an MRI does not automatically make a patient a candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.

Depending on the individual circumstances, treatment may not be appropriate in situations involving:

  • Unstable spondylolisthesis

  • Certain spinal fractures

  • Significant osteoporosis

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm

  • Pregnancy for lumbar treatment

  • Certain malignancies

  • Certain surgical hardware at the treatment level

  • Progressive neurological weakness

  • Cauda equina syndrome

  • Other conditions that make decompression unsafe

Sometimes additional imaging is necessary.

Sometimes another form of conservative treatment is more appropriate.

And sometimes surgery or another specialist evaluation is the correct recommendation.

Knowing who not to treat is an important part of providing Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression safely.

Sometimes Surgery Really Is the Appropriate Recommendation

Jeff J. traveled from Tucson after finding the practice through social media and researching his options.

After evaluating his condition, Dr. Boelk, DC and Jeff determined that surgery was the appropriate direction.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 demonstrates why patient selection matters.

The goal is not to place every patient into a decompression program. It is to determine whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is appropriate and safe for that individual patient.

Why Patients Seek Out Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC

Dr. Boelk's practice has focused extensively on Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and difficult disc-related spinal conditions for more than two decades.

His background includes:

  • Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor

  • Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist (PPSC)

  • More than 22 years helping patients with disc-related spinal conditions

  • More than 100,000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression treatments performed

  • Founder of the Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy

  • Founding Member of the American Spinal Decompression Society

  • 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, rehabilitation, and returning to an active lifestyle.

Seven DRX9000 Systems Dedicated to Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego has:

  • 7 DRX9000 spinal decompression systems

  • 4 lumbar DRX9000 systems

  • 3 cervical DRX9000C systems

  • Individualized decompression protocols

  • MRI review when appropriate

  • Weight-bearing spinal evaluation

  • Rehabilitation and spinal stabilization when appropriate

  • Careful candidacy screening

The office is located in Kearny Mesa and treats patients from El Cajon, East County, and throughout San Diego County.

When a Herniated Disc Requires Immediate Medical Attention

Most herniated discs do not represent neurological emergencies.

Certain symptoms require immediate medical evaluation, including:

  • New loss of bladder or bowel control

  • Difficulty beginning urination

  • Loss of sensation around the groin, genitals, buttocks, or inner thighs

  • Rapidly progressing leg weakness

  • Sudden difficulty controlling one or both legs

These symptoms can be associated with cauda equina syndrome or another serious neurological condition and require urgent medical evaluation.

If Previous Treatment Hasn't Worked, It May Be Time to Look at the Problem Differently

For El Cajon patients dealing with persistent back pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, or other symptoms associated with a herniated disc, continuing to repeat treatments that have not provided lasting improvement may not be the only option.

The next step can simply be getting another opinion and finding out whether the disc may be contributing to the ongoing symptoms.

Schedule a No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation

Dr. Boelk personally evaluates new patients, and consultation appointments are limited based on availability.

Patients who already have MRI images, X-rays, or reports are encouraged to bring them. Patients who do not have imaging can still schedule a consultation.

The purpose of the consultation is to discuss the condition, review what has already been attempted, answer questions, and determine whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may be appropriate.

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
www.SanDiegoBackCare.com

Live 24/7 Answering Service
Hablamos Español

Call 619-298-0800 to schedule an available No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation with Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC.

Get Fast Pain Relief Now

Schedule a Complimentary, No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation or to submit a question, simply fill out the form to the right and click submit.

(619) 298-0800