Can a Bulging Disc Heal Without Surgery? – La Jolla, CA

For many people in La Jolla, staying active is a way of life—whether that’s walking the beach, surfing, golfing, yoga, or regular workouts. When a bulging disc starts interfering with movement, sleep, or daily comfort, the frustration can build quickly.

Patients often arrive having already tried physical therapy, chiropractic care, or medications, only to be told that injections or surgery may be the next step. What often comes as a surprise is that many bulging discs can heal without surgery, when the spine is treated correctly and consistently.

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC focuses on identifying whether disc compression is the primary driver of symptoms—and if so, whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) is appropriate.

Understanding Why Bulging Discs Become Chronic

A bulging disc doesn’t fail overnight. Over time, repetitive stress, posture, prior injuries, or prolonged sitting can cause disc fibers to weaken and lose their ability to absorb pressure.

When compression persists:

• Nerves remain irritated or sensitized

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

• Morning stiffness and activity-related pain increase

• Healing slows due to limited disc hydration

This explains why many patients feel “stuck” despite doing all the right things.

What Needs to Change for Healing to Occur

Healing a bulging disc requires more than symptom control. The disc must be given an environment where repair is possible.

Dr. Boelk uses the DRX9000 spinal decompression system, a computer-guided technology designed to:

• Reduce pressure within the affected disc

• Improve circulation and nutrient exchange

• Decrease mechanical stress on irritated nerves

Unlike generic traction, decompression with the DRX9000 allows for precise control, making it suitable for patients with confirmed disc involvement on imaging.

Care plans are individualized and paired with movement-based and stabilization strategies, because long-term relief depends on both passive and active care.

A Simple Note on Supporting Your Results

Many patients are surprised to learn that small daily habits can either support disc healing or unknowingly slow it down.

During your evaluation, Dr. Boelk reviews:

• One common posture mistake that stresses bulging discs

• One overlooked positioning change that reduces pressure

• One movement principle that helps protect healing discs

These recommendations are simple, but when applied consistently, they often make a noticeable difference.

What Patients with Bulging Discs Are Saying

Below are full, unedited testimonials from patients who sought care for disc-related pain and were looking to avoid surgery.

“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 La Jolla Residents

If a bulging disc is limiting your ability to move, sleep, or stay active, the next step is determining whether decompression is appropriate for your specific case.

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 findings and options 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