Can Spinal Decompression Help a Herniated Disc? – Spring Valley, CA

When Back Pain Turns Into Leg Pain, Numbness, or Sciatica

A herniated disc does not always feel like a problem in the back.

Some patients begin with lower-back pain and then notice that the symptoms start traveling into the buttock or leg. Others have surprisingly little back pain but develop severe sciatica, burning, numbness, tingling, or weakness.

That can happen when an injured lumbar disc begins affecting one of the nearby nerve roots.

Patients with a herniated disc may experience:

• Lower-back pain

• Buttock pain

• Sciatica

• Burning into the thigh or calf

• Numbness or tingling

• Pins and needles

• Foot or toe symptoms

• Leg weakness

• Difficulty sitting

• Difficulty standing or walking

• Pain that becomes worse with certain positions or activities

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.

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

The first step is determining what is actually causing the symptoms and whether the patient is an appropriate candidate for treatment.

An Extruded Disc Was Pressing on Her L5 Nerve

Amanda's MRI showed an extruded disc pressing on the L5 nerve after months of severe pain.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 results reflect her individual experience and do not guarantee another patient's outcome.

Dealing With a Herniated Disc or Sciatica?

Patients from Spring Valley and surrounding San Diego communities 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. An MRI is not required simply to schedule the consultation.

The consultation gives patients an opportunity to discuss:

• Their current symptoms

• How and when the problem began

• Previous treatments and results

• Existing MRI or X-ray findings

• 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 Cause Symptoms So Far From the Back?

The lumbar nerves exit the lower spine and travel into the legs.

When a herniated or protruding disc affects one of those nerves, the patient may feel symptoms anywhere along the pathway of the irritated nerve.

That can include the buttock, thigh, calf, ankle, foot, or toes.

This is why treating only the area where the patient feels pain does not necessarily address the source of the problem.

The pattern of symptoms can also provide useful information.

Dr. Boelk, DC considers:

• Where the pain begins

• Where the symptoms travel

• Whether pain extends below the knee

• Areas of numbness or tingling

• Changes in sensation

• Muscle weakness

• Sitting tolerance

• Standing tolerance

• Walking tolerance

• MRI findings when available

• Previous spinal injuries or surgery

• Spinal stability

The goal is to connect what the patient is experiencing with what may actually be happening in the spine.

What Can an MRI Tell You About a Herniated Disc?

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

Patients may see terms including:

• Disc bulge

• Disc protrusion

• Disc herniation

• Disc extrusion

• Annular fissure or tear

• Disc desiccation

• Degenerative disc disease

• Foraminal narrowing

• Central canal narrowing

• Nerve-root compression

The terminology is important, but it does not tell the entire story.

The location of the disc abnormality and its relationship to the nerves can sometimes be more clinically important than simply how large the disc problem appears.

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

Severe Sciatica From a Herniated Disc

Brian Perrotta specifically described coming to the office with severe sciatica and a herniated disc.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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

Brian's testimonial reflects his individual experience 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 spinal decompression systems exclusively.

The DRX9000 uses controlled decompression and relaxation cycles directed toward 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 based on:

• 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 setting or protocol that should automatically be used for every person with a herniated disc.

Patient selection, treatment parameters, progression, clinical monitoring, and rehabilitation all matter.

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 better understand what may be causing their symptoms before making a decision about treatment.

The consultation consists of:

• Reviewing the patient's current symptoms

• Discussing when and how the problem began

• Reviewing previous treatments and how the patient responded

• Discussing previous spinal injuries or surgeries

• Reviewing existing MRI or X-ray imaging when available

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

• Discussing what may be causing the pain, sciatica, 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.

Some Patients Travel Long Distances for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

Patients seeking Dr. Boelk's experience with difficult disc-related conditions have traveled significant distances for treatment.

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 Everyone With a Herniated Disc Should Receive Spinal Decompression

Finding a herniated disc on an MRI does not automatically mean a patient should receive Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.

Depending on the patient's 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 may make decompression unsafe

Sometimes additional imaging is needed.

Sometimes treatment needs to wait.

Sometimes another conservative treatment is more appropriate.

And sometimes a surgical evaluation is the correct recommendation.

Sometimes Surgery Is the Appropriate Recommendation

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

After discussing his condition with Dr. Boelk, DC, they determined that surgery was the appropriate option for his particular back problem.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 an important part of proper patient selection.

The objective is not to put every person who schedules a consultation into a decompression program. It is to determine whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is appropriate 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 credentials and experience include:

• 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, in addition to helping patients with disc-related spinal conditions for more than two decades.

A Practice Built Around Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego has seven DRX9000 spinal decompression systems dedicated to treating appropriately selected patients.

The office includes:

• 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 Spring Valley and throughout San Diego County, as well as patients who travel considerable distances seeking Dr. Boelk's experience.

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.

Find Out Whether the Herniated Disc May Be a Candidate for Conservative Treatment

For Spring Valley patients dealing with persistent back pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, or weakness associated with a herniated disc, the next step does not have to mean immediately committing to surgery—or even committing to a decompression program.

It can simply be getting another opinion and understanding what options may be available.

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.