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

 

A herniated disc diagnosis often leads to one immediate concern:
“Am I going to need surgery?”

For many people searching for answers in La Jolla, 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 strategy.

 

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC has spent nearly two decades helping patients determine whether a herniated disc can heal without surgery before committing to invasive procedures.

 

Why Herniated Discs Become So Limiting

A spinal disc is designed to absorb shock and allow motion. When a disc herniates, internal material pushes outward and can irritate nearby nerves. This often leads to:

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

Discs have limited blood supply, which means healing is slow when pressure remains high. For patients asking whether a herniated disc can heal without surgery, reducing disc pressure is the critical factor.

 

Why Surgery Is Commonly Recommended

Many La Jolla patients are advised to consider surgery because:

• Pain has lasted longer than expected
• MRI findings appear severe
• Other conservative treatments haven’t helped

Medications, injections, and rest may ease symptoms temporarily, but they do not reduce disc pressure. Without addressing that pressure, the disc is rarely given a real opportunity to heal without surgery.

 

What Needs to Happen for Non-Surgical Healing

For a herniated disc to heal without surgery, several conditions must be met:

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

If any one of these is missing, symptoms often linger or return.

 

How Herniated Discs Are Treated Without Surgery for La Jolla Patients

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

This approach is designed to:

• Gently unload the herniated disc
• Reduce nerve compression
• 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 inside the disc—something manual or generic systems cannot replicate.

Our clinic operates 7 DRX9000 true spinal decompression machines, allowing individualized protocols that very few clinics serving La Jolla can provide.

 

Why Patients From La Jolla Choose Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC

Patients researching whether a herniated disc can heal without surgery in La Jolla often choose Dr. Boelk because of experience and consistency of results:

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

Patients travel from La Jolla, Bird Rock, UTC, Torrey Pines, and beyond—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 previously underwent disc surgery and later developed recurrent disc-related nerve pain. With 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 appropriate 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 and reactive it can become. Patients who seek care earlier often experience smoother recovery 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 La Jolla

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

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.