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

 

If you’ve been diagnosed with a herniated disc, one of the first questions most people ask is whether surgery is truly unavoidable.

For many patients searching for answers in Kearny Mesa, the reality is that a herniated disc can often heal without surgery—when the disc is evaluated properly and treated using the right non-surgical approach.

 

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, located near Kearny Mesa, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC, a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, has helped thousands of patients explore whether a herniated disc can heal without surgery before committing to invasive procedures.

 

Why Herniated Discs Create Ongoing Pain

A herniated disc occurs when the inner portion of the disc pushes outward and irritates or compresses a nearby nerve. This can lead to:

• Persistent low back or neck pain
• Pain traveling into the leg or arm
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness
• Difficulty sitting, standing, or sleeping

Because discs have very limited blood supply, healing becomes difficult when pressure remains high. For patients wondering whether a herniated disc can heal without surgery, the key factor is whether disc pressure can be reduced effectively.

 

Why Surgery Is Often Suggested Early

Many Kearny Mesa patients are told they need surgery because:

• Pain has lasted longer than expected
• MRI findings appear concerning
• Medications or injections haven’t solved the problem

However, most of these approaches do not reduce disc pressure. They may temporarily quiet symptoms, but they do not create the conditions required for a herniated disc to heal without surgery.

 

What Must Happen for a Herniated Disc to Heal Without Surgery

For non-surgical healing to occur, several things need to happen at the same time:

1. Pressure inside the disc must be reduced
2. Nerve irritation must be allowed to calm
3. Disc hydration and motion must improve
4. The spine must be supported with proper stability

Without addressing all four, symptoms often persist or return.

 

How Herniated Discs Are Treated Without Surgery in Kearny Mesa

Dr. Boelk specializes in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD)using only DRX9000 spinal decompression systems, combined with specific active therapies when appropriate.

This approach is designed to:

• Gently unload the herniated disc
• Reduce pressure on irritated nerves
• Encourage disc rehydration
• Support long-term spinal stability

 

Unlike traction or inversion tables, true spinal decompression uses computer-controlled force modulation to safely create negative pressure within the disc—something manual systems cannot replicate.

Our clinic operates 7 DRX9000 true spinal decompression machines, allowing individualized protocols that very few clinics serving Kearny Mesa can offer.

 

Why Patients From Kearny Mesa Choose Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC

Patients searching whether a herniated disc can heal without surgery in Kearny Mesa often choose Dr. Boelk because of his experience and results:

• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
• Nearly 21 years focused on decompression care
• Founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he trains doctors nationwide
• Over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments performed

 

Patients routinely travel from Kearny Mesa, Clairemont, Serra Mesa, and Mission Valley—as well as from out of state and overseas—to seek his expertise.

 

Real Patient Experiences

**“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

 

Summary:
Anthony had previously undergone disc surgery and later developed recurrent disc-related nerve pain. Through properly delivered Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression, he returned to normal daily life without additional surgery.

 

**“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

 

Summary:
Amanda had an extruded disc compressing the L5 nerve and was scheduled for injections and surgery. After decompression care, she avoided both and returned to demanding daily exercise.

 

“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

 

Summary:
Brian sought care for a herniated disc with severe sciatica and experienced meaningful improvement through individualized decompression protocols.

 

How Dr. Boelk Determines If a Herniated Disc Can Heal Without Surgery

Not every herniated disc is a candidate for non-surgical care. During a no-charge consultation, Dr. Boelk personally reviews imaging, spinal stability, neurological findings, and clinical history to determine whether a herniated disc can heal without surgery in your specific case.

If non-surgical care is not appropriate, you will be told honestly.

 

Why Timing Matters

The longer a nerve remains compressed, the more sensitive it can become. Patients who act earlier often experience faster improvement and better long-term outcomes.

Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of referral source.

 

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
• Nearly 21 years specializing in decompression care

 

Next Steps for Patients in Kearny Mesa

If you’re dealing with a herniated disc and want to know whether a herniated disc can heal without surgery, the next step is straightforward.

Here’s how to begin:

1. Call (619) 298-0800 or text (619) 884-8298 after hours
2. Schedule your no-charge consultation
3. Bring your MRI or imaging if available
4. Review your findings directly with Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC

 

👉 Consultations are no-charge and carry no obligation.

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

 

Referral Policy

Whether you were referred by a medical doctor, neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist, attorney, or through a friend or family member, all patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. This ensures Dr. Boelk has the necessary time to personally evaluate whether you’re a candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and whether your case can be accepted for care