Can Spinal Decompression Help a Herniated Disc? – Point Loma, CA

Does a Herniated Disc Always Mean Surgery?

Being told that an MRI shows a herniated disc can be unsettling, especially when the next conversation involves injections, pain management, or a surgical consultation.

But a herniated disc does not automatically mean back surgery is necessary.

Many lumbar disc conditions can be treated conservatively. The more important question is whether the specific disc injury, neurological findings, spinal stability, symptoms, and overall health of the patient make conservative treatment appropriate.

For properly selected patients, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression can be an effective treatment option for lumbar disc herniations, protrusions, bulges, and certain other disc-related conditions.

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

The first step is not putting every patient on a decompression table.

It is determining what the MRI actually shows, whether it corresponds with the patient's symptoms, and whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression can be performed safely.

An Extruded Disc Was Pressing on Her L5 Nerve

Amanda had reached the point where getting out of bed was excruciating.

Walking and standing were extremely difficult, and she was regularly taking medication simply to get through the day.

An MRI finally identified the problem: an extruded lumbar disc pressing on her L5 nerve.

She had appointments scheduled for spinal injections and a surgical evaluation when she discovered Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amanda — San Diego, CA

“Last year, I spent three months constantly going back and forth between doctor’s appointments and urgent care. The pain was unbearable—I was taking medication regularly just to get through the day. Getting out of bed was excruciating, and walking or standing felt like torture. Every step filled me with dread.

In December, my doctor finally ordered an MRI. That’s when I learned I had an extruded disc pressing on my L5 nerve, which affects the leg and foot. My doctor scheduled two follow-up appointments: one for pain management (spinal injections), and another to evaluate me for surgery.

Then I discovered spinal decompression therapy. I was thrilled to find a non-invasive alternative. I never ended up needing either of those appointments.

Now, I’m walking regularly, standing up straight—something I couldn’t do before. When I first sought help, I was so hunched over that I had to use a cane just to move forward. Because of the pain, I hadn’t exercised in months. But now, I’m doing a program called 75 hard which requires not one but 2 45-minute workouts per day, and I've even gotten back to lifting weights!

I’m so thankful I found this place. It’s conveniently located near my work, which makes it easy to fit sessions into my lunch break. Dr. Boelk and the staff are incredibly friendly and polite—it’s always a pleasure to come in.

The environment is so relaxing that I look forward to each visit. I truly thank God for leading me to this alternative. It’s made such a difference in my life.”

— Amanda, San Diego, CA

Amanda's experience is her own and does not guarantee another patient's results. Her case does illustrate why a patient with a significant disc injury may still have conservative treatment options depending on the clinical circumstances.

Recently Diagnosed With a Herniated Disc?

Patients from Point Loma and throughout San Diego can schedule a Complimentary, No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation with Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC to discuss their condition and determine whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may be appropriate.

Patients are encouraged to bring any recent MRI images or reports they already have.

During the consultation, Dr. Boelk, DC can discuss the patient's symptoms, previous treatment, available imaging, and whether further evaluation is 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

What Is a Herniated Disc?

The discs sit between the vertebrae and help distribute loads while allowing the spine to move.

Each disc has a tougher outer portion surrounding a softer inner portion.

When the outer portion of the disc becomes damaged or weakened, disc material can begin moving outward.

MRI reports may use terms such as:

• Disc bulge

• Disc protrusion

• Disc herniation

• Disc extrusion

• Annular fissure or tear

• Degenerative disc disease

• Disc desiccation

• Loss of disc height

These terms do not all mean exactly the same thing.

They also do not determine treatment by themselves.

A relatively small disc abnormality in the wrong location can irritate a nerve significantly, while another patient may have a larger abnormality without severe neurological symptoms.

This is one reason Dr. Boelk, DC personally reviews available MRI studies rather than relying only on a written radiology report.

What Happens When a Herniated Disc Irritates a Nerve?

A lumbar disc injury can cause localized lower-back pain, but symptoms can also extend well beyond the back.

If the disc affects a lumbar nerve root, patients may experience:

• Buttock pain

• Sciatica

• Burning down the leg

• Calf pain

• Numbness

• Tingling

• Pins and needles

• Foot pain

• Numb toes

• Leg weakness

• Foot weakness

• Difficulty sitting

• Difficulty standing or walking

The location of these symptoms can provide useful information about which nerve root may be involved.

The severity of symptoms is influenced by more than simply the physical size of the herniation.

Mechanical pressure, inflammation around the nerve, available space within the spinal canal or foramen, and the patient's individual anatomy can all contribute.

He Had Already Undergone Surgery for a Bulging Disc

Anthony K. had suffered with back problems for several years and eventually underwent surgery for a bulging disc.

Five years later, the disc bulged again 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

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

The location of the surgery, presence of hardware, current disc condition, neurological findings, spinal stability, and other factors need to be considered individually.

How Does the DRX9000 Treat a Herniated Disc?

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

The DRX9000 uses computer-controlled decompression and relaxation cycles to unload a targeted region of the lumbar spine.

For an appropriately selected patient with a herniated disc, treatment is intended to reduce mechanical stress affecting the injured disc and surrounding structures.

Treatment parameters are individualized and can include:

• Spinal level being treated

• Treatment angle

• Patient positioning

• Starting force

• Body size

• Location of symptoms

• Treatment cycles

• Patient tolerance

• Response to previous sessions

This is why Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression should not simply be viewed as a machine treatment.

The equipment is important.

The protocol and patient selection are equally important.

Dr. Boelk, DC has performed more than 100,000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression treatments and founded the Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he teaches other DCs about decompression protocols and techniques.

Can a Herniated Disc Actually Heal?

Disc recovery is more complicated than simply asking whether the disc “goes back in.”

The objective of conservative care is to improve the environment around the injured disc, reduce irritation of surrounding structures, decrease pain and neurological symptoms, restore function, and eventually improve the patient's ability to tolerate normal activity.

Clinical improvement does not necessarily require an MRI to look completely normal.

What matters clinically is whether the patient is experiencing improvements such as:

• Less back pain

• Less leg pain

• Decreased numbness or tingling

• Improved sleep

• Improved sitting tolerance

• Improved standing and walking

• Better strength and function

• Greater ability to return to normal activity

Treatment should ultimately improve what the patient can actually do—not simply change a number on a pain scale.

What Happens During a No-Charge Consultation?

A consultation with Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC is designed to determine whether the patient's condition warrants further evaluation and whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may be appropriate.

The consultation may include:

• Review of current symptoms

• Discussion of how and when the problem began

• Review of previous treatment

• Discussion of previous spinal surgery when applicable

• Review of existing MRI or X-ray imaging when available

• Discussion of the likely source of the symptoms

• Explanation of whether additional examination or imaging may be appropriate

• Questions about Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

• Discussion of whether the patient appears to be a potential candidate

There is no obligation to begin treatment.

Patients also do not need an MRI simply to schedule a consultation.

If Dr. Boelk, DC believes another form of care, additional imaging, or a surgical consultation is more appropriate, that will be discussed as well.

She Travels From the United Kingdom for Her Disc Treatment

Some patients travel considerable distances seeking Dr. Boelk's experience with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.

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 predict another patient's response.

Not Every Herniated Disc Should Be Treated With Spinal Decompression

The fact that an MRI shows a herniated or bulging disc does not automatically make someone a candidate.

Depending upon the individual circumstances, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may not be appropriate for patients with:

• 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

There are also situations where surgery or another form of treatment may simply be the better option.

That determination is part of the evaluation.

He Wanted a Non-Surgical Option—But Was Not Accepted for Treatment

Toni W. had extensive surgical hardware in her back.

Although she was interested in Dr. Boelk's program, her particular condition was not appropriate for treatment.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Toni W. — Lake Elsinore, CA

“Very nice Dr. and Honest ! I would definitely recommend anyone who hasn't had metal put in there back in a surgery to go to him and give his program a shot. I believe it would definitely help. Just not in my personal case. As I have a lot of hardware in my back. But I'm glad I took the time to meet with him. It was very informative all around.”

— Toni W., Lake Elsinore, CA

Testimonials like Toni's are important because Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression should not be recommended simply because a patient wants to avoid surgery.

Knowing who not to treat is part of providing the treatment safely.

Why Patients Seek Out Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC

Patients from Point Loma and throughout San Diego seek Dr. Boelk's experience because his practice has focused heavily on difficult disc-related spinal conditions and Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression for more than two decades.

His background includes:

1. Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor

2. Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist (PPSC)

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

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

5. Founder of the Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy

6. Founding Member of the American Spinal Decompression Society

7. 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 extensive personal as well as clinical experience with spinal injury and rehabilitation.

Seven DRX9000 Systems in One San Diego Facility

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

Patients have traveled from throughout California and the United States as well as Mexico, Canada, Spain, the United Kingdom, and other countries seeking Dr. Boelk's experience with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.

When a Herniated Disc Requires Immediate Medical Attention

Most disc herniations 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.

Before Assuming Surgery Is the Only Option, Find Out Whether the Disc Can Be Treated Conservatively

For Point Loma patients who have been diagnosed with a herniated, bulging, protruding, or extruded disc, the next step does not have to be committing to injections, surgery, or even a decompression program.

It can simply be getting another opinion.

Schedule a Complimentary, No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation

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

Patients are encouraged to bring any MRI images, X-rays, or reports they already have.

There is no obligation to begin treatment.

The purpose of the consultation is to better understand the patient's condition 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

Call 619-298-0800 to reserve an available no-charge consultation with Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC.