Can a Bulging Disc Heal Without Surgery? – Kearny Mesa, CA

If you live or work in Kearny Mesa and have been told you have a bulging disc, you’ve probably already tried a few things—rest, physical therapy, medications, maybe even injections—only to find the pain keeps coming back. Sitting at a desk, driving, exercising, or sleeping comfortably can become a daily challenge.

What many people don’t realize is that a bulging disc doesn’t automatically mean surgery. In fact, many bulging discs can heal without surgery when the pressure inside the disc is reduced and the spine is supported correctly during the healing process.

That is the focus of care at The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, conveniently located near Kearny Mesa and Murphy Canyon.

Why Bulging Disc Pain Persists

A bulging disc isn’t just an irritated structure—it’s a disc under constant mechanical stress.

When a disc stays compressed:

• Inflammation around nearby nerves lingers

• Pain may travel into the hip, leg, or foot

• Healing slows because circulation and nutrient exchange are compromised

This is why symptom-based treatments alone often fall short. They may reduce pain temporarily, but they don’t change the underlying disc pressure that caused the problem.

What Needs to Happen for a Bulging Disc to Heal

For healing to occur, the disc needs:

• Reduced internal pressure

• Improved fluid and nutrient exchange

• Protection from repeated strain

This is where Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) becomes important.

Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC uses the DRX9000 spinal decompression system, a computer-controlled technology designed to gently unload specific disc levels with precision. This is very different from basic traction or generic decompression tables.

Care is customized using:

• MRI and X-ray findings

• Symptom behavior and nerve involvement

• Daily activity demands (work, exercise, family life)

Decompression is then paired with active stabilization and movement-based care, because lasting results require more than passive treatment alone.

Supporting Healing Outside the Office

In addition to in-office care, patients are guided on specific daily habits that can either support disc healing or slow it down.

During the consultation, Dr. Boelk reviews:

• One positioning mistake that commonly aggravates bulging discs

• One simple daily adjustment most patients overlook

• One movement principle that protects the spine during recovery

These small changes can make a meaningful difference when applied consistently.

What Patients with Bulging Discs Are Saying

Below are full, unedited testimonials from patients who sought care for disc-related pain, many after being told surgery was the next step.

“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

“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

“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

“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

“The care I received at Dr. Boelk’s office was so wonderful. I went from having to lay down for several hours a day, to being able to live my life normally, and even began working up my exercise capacity. I always felt cared about, and there was a lot of feedback. The exercise and information Dr. Boelk provides is so critical to maintaining positive results and pain reduction with increased mobility and freedom. All the staff are so caring, and it’s one of the best decisions I made for my back!”
— Kaitelyn H., San Diego, CA

About Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC

• Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic

• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor

• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist

• California X-Ray Radiology Licensed Doctor

• Member, International Disc Education Association

• Founder, Spinal Decompression Training Academy

• Over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments performed

• 7 DRX9000 true spinal decompression machines in one clinic

• Largest known provider of spinal decompression in California

• Nearly 21 years specializing exclusively in decompression care

• Rated #1 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Office in San Diego

Next Steps for Kearny Mesa Residents

If you’re dealing with a bulging disc and want to know whether surgery can be avoided, the first step is a proper evaluation.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Call (619) 298-0800 or text (619) 884-8298 after hours

2. Schedule your no-charge consultation

3. Bring MRI or X-rays if available

4. Review your findings directly with Dr. Boelk

👉 Consultations are no-charge and carry no obligation.

Because availability is limited and many patients travel from out of state and overseas, appointments fill quickly.

📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 (619) 298-0800
📱 (619) 884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com