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Can Spinal Decompression Help a Herniated Disc? – La Mesa, CA

Can Spinal Decompression Help a Herniated Disc? – La Mesa, CA

When a Herniated Disc Starts Affecting Everyday Life

A herniated disc does not always begin with dramatic pain.

Some patients initially notice stiffness in the lower back, discomfort after sitting, or an occasional ache into the buttock. Over time, the symptoms can become more persistent.

Getting out of bed becomes harder. Putting on shoes becomes uncomfortable. Driving becomes difficult. Exercise gets avoided. Pain may begin traveling into the leg, and numbness or tingling can appear in the calf, foot, or toes.

For some patients, the problem eventually reaches the point where normal daily activities are being planned around the back.

That is usually when the question changes from “How do I get through today?” to “What is actually causing this, and what are my options?”

A lumbar disc injury may cause:

  • Lower-back pain

  • Sciatica

  • Buttock pain

  • Burning into the thigh or calf

  • Numbness or tingling

  • Pins and needles

  • Foot or toe symptoms

  • Leg weakness

  • Difficulty sitting

  • Difficulty standing or walking

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.

Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC has spent more than 22 years helping patients with difficult disc-related spinal conditions at The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego.

The first step is determining what is causing the symptoms and whether the patient's condition is appropriate for treatment.

Severe Sciatica and a Herniated Disc

Brian Perrotta came to the office with a herniated disc and severe sciatica.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brian Perrotta — San Diego, CA

“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. He and his staff are both professional and genuinely caring, creating a welcoming and supportive environment. The treatments were not only highly effective but also tailored to my specific needs. I’m grateful for the care I received and the significant improvement in my quality of life.”

— Brian Perrotta, San Diego, CA

Individual results vary. Brian's experience is his own and does not guarantee another patient's response. His testimonial does show why a patient with a diagnosed herniated disc and associated nerve pain may want to investigate conservative treatment options.

Have a Herniated Disc and Unsure What to Do Next?

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

Patients who already have MRI images, X-rays, or reports are encouraged to bring them. Imaging is not required simply to schedule a consultation.

The purpose of the consultation is to better understand:

  • What symptoms the patient is experiencing

  • How long the problem has been present

  • What treatment has already been attempted

  • Whether previous treatment provided lasting or temporary relief

  • What existing imaging may show

  • 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

What Happens to a Disc When It Herniates?

The spinal discs sit between the vertebrae and help absorb and distribute forces through the spine.

Each disc contains a tougher outer portion surrounding softer material internally.

When the outer portion becomes damaged or weakened, disc material can begin moving beyond its normal boundary.

An MRI may describe this using terms such as:

  • Disc bulge

  • Disc protrusion

  • Disc herniation

  • Disc extrusion

  • Annular fissure

  • Disc desiccation

  • Degenerative disc disease

  • Loss of disc height

These findings are related, but they do not all mean the same thing.

The terminology also does not tell the entire clinical story.

A relatively small protrusion in the wrong location may irritate a nerve significantly. Another patient can have a larger disc abnormality and surprisingly few symptoms.

This is why Dr. Boelk, DC personally reviews available MRI studies and compares the imaging with the patient's symptoms and clinical findings.

Why Can a Herniated Disc Cause Pain Down the Leg?

A lumbar disc problem does not have to hurt only in the lower back.

When an injured disc affects a nearby lumbar nerve root, symptoms can travel along that nerve into the leg.

Patients may experience:

  • Deep buttock pain

  • Sciatica

  • Burning into the thigh

  • Calf pain

  • Numbness

  • Tingling

  • Pins and needles

  • Pain into the foot

  • Numbness in the toes

  • Leg or foot weakness

Some patients have significant nerve symptoms while experiencing surprisingly little lower-back pain.

The nerve may be affected by mechanical pressure, inflammation, reduced space around the nerve, or a combination of these factors.

That is why the location and pattern of the symptoms can be just as important as the words written on the MRI report.

Previous Surgery Did Not Prevent His Disc Problem From Returning

Anthony K. had already undergone surgery for a bulging disc. 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 results reflect his individual experience and do not guarantee another patient's outcome.

Previous spinal surgery also does not automatically determine whether a patient can or cannot receive Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.

The location of the surgery, current anatomy, presence of hardware, spinal stability, neurological findings, and the specific level requiring treatment all need to be considered.

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 objective is to reduce mechanical stress affecting the injured spinal region and surrounding nerve structures.

Treatment can be individualized according to:

  • Disc level being treated

  • Treatment angle

  • Patient position

  • Starting force

  • Body size

  • Location of symptoms

  • Number of treatment cycles

  • Patient tolerance

  • Response to previous sessions

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

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

What Does Improvement Look Like?

Pain reduction is important, but it is not the only measure of improvement.

For a patient with a disc injury, progress may include:

  • Less lower-back pain

  • Less sciatica

  • Reduced numbness or tingling

  • Improved sleep

  • Increased sitting tolerance

  • Increased standing tolerance

  • Improved walking

  • Increased strength

  • Returning to work

  • Returning to exercise

  • Being able to perform normal daily activities more comfortably

A patient's MRI does not necessarily have to look completely normal for that person to experience meaningful clinical improvement.

The goal is improved function and better tolerance for everyday life.

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

The consultation gives patients an opportunity to meet with Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC, discuss what has been happening, and better understand what the next step may be before making any decision about treatment.

The consultation consists of:

  • Reviewing the patient's current symptoms

  • Discussing when and how the problem began

  • Reviewing previous treatments and the patient's response

  • Discussing previous spinal injuries or surgeries

  • Reviewing existing MRI or X-ray imaging when available

  • Discussing how imaging findings may relate to the patient's symptoms

  • Discussing what may be causing the pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness

  • Determining whether additional 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.

She Travels From the United Kingdom for Her Disc Treatment

Patients seeking Dr. Boelk's experience with disc-related spinal conditions sometimes travel considerable distances to San Diego.

Lisa S. travels from the United Kingdom and specifically describes having three bulging discs, including one affecting a nerve.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lisa S. — United Kingdom

“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's testimonial reflects her individual experience and does not guarantee another patient's results.

Not Every Patient With a Herniated Disc Is a Candidate

Finding a disc herniation on an MRI does not automatically mean Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression should be performed.

Depending upon 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 needed.

Sometimes another type of conservative treatment is more appropriate.

Sometimes treatment needs to be delayed.

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

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

His Fracture Needed to Heal Before Treatment Could Be Considered

Jan H. sought Dr. Boelk, DC after a significant motocross neck injury.

Although he was interested in avoiding surgery, Dr. Boelk did not begin treatment because the fracture first needed time to heal.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jan H. — San Marcos, CA

“I decided to see Dr. Boelk after a pretty gnarly motocoss neck injury. At the Hospital I was at, I felt I was getting pressured into a surgery which I refused. A friend of a friend referred him after Dr. Boelk successfully treated his broken back.

Dr. Boelk is a compassionate individual who truly cares about his patients. He looked at my MRI images, explained what he saw and potential routes for recovery. He could not treat me as I have to wait until the fracture in my neck heals, but the level of professionalism, compassion, caring and knowledge displayed by him was exceptional.

He also recommended to seek an additional opinion form another neurosurgeon. My experience was that he really cares and he's not someone who would take advantage of the situation someone's in (unlike some other doctors). I will definitely be back and already recommended him to others as well! Thank you Dr. Boelk!”

— Jan H., San Marcos, CA

Jan's experience illustrates why patient selection and timing matter.

The goal is not to place every patient into a decompression program. It is to determine whether treatment is appropriate and safe for the 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 La Mesa, 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 evaluation.

Find Out Whether the Herniated Disc May Be Treated Conservatively

For La Mesa patients dealing with persistent lower-back pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, or other symptoms associated with a herniated disc, the next step does not have to be committing to surgery—or committing to Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.

It can simply be understanding the condition and finding out what options may be appropriate.

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 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.

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(619) 298-0800