Can a Herniated Disc Heal Without Surgery? – San Diego, CA
Being told you have a herniated disc can be overwhelming—especially when surgery is mentioned early in the conversation. Many people immediately ask the same question:
Can a herniated disc heal without surgery?
For a large number of patients, the answer is yes—when the right conditions are created for healing and the disc is treated correctly.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC, a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, has helped thousands of patients with herniated discs improve without surgery using advanced, non-surgical protocols.
What Actually Happens When a Disc Herniates?
A spinal disc sits between the vertebrae and acts as a shock absorber. When a disc herniates, the inner material pushes outward, often irritating or compressing a nearby nerve. This can cause:
- Localized back or neck pain
- Pain radiating into the arm or leg
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Difficulty sitting, standing, or sleeping
The disc itself has limited blood supply, which means healing is possible—but only when pressure is reduced and motion is controlled correctly.
Why Surgery Is Often Suggested (Too Quickly)
Surgery is typically recommended when:
- Pain is severe and persistent
- Imaging looks alarming
- Conservative care hasn’t helped
However, many patients are offered surgery before the disc has been given a true opportunity to decompress and recover. Medications, injections, and rest may reduce pain temporarily, but they do not reduce disc pressure—which is the key factor preventing healing.
What Needs to Happen for a Herniated Disc to Heal Without Surgery
For non-surgical healing to occur, four things must happen:
- Pressure inside the disc must be reduced
- Nerve irritation must calm
- The disc must rehydrate and stabilize
- The surrounding muscles must support the spine correctly
This is where most treatment approaches fall short.
How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Supports Disc Healing
Dr. Boelk specializes in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD)using only DRX9000 spinal decompression systems—the most researched and precise decompression technology available.
This technology is designed to:
- Gently unload the herniated disc
- Create negative pressure inside the disc
- Reduce nerve compression
- Support the disc’s natural healing process
Unlike traction or inversion tables, DRX9000 decompression uses computer-controlled force modulation that adapts to the patient’s tolerance and spinal response.
Our clinic houses 7 DRX9000 true spinal decompression machines, allowing individualized protocols that very few clinics in California can offer.
Why Experience and Protocols Matter
Not all decompression is the same.
Dr. Boelk:
- Has nearly 21 years of experience treating disc injuries
- Has performed over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments
- Trains other doctors nationwide as the Founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy
- Integrates active therapy to prevent recurrence
This matters because improper settings, generic protocols, or relying on passive care alone can limit results.
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 a prior disc surgery and later experienced a recurrent disc injury with nerve pain. Through properly delivered Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression, he was able to return to daily life without undergoing another 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 high-level daily activity.
“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.
Who Is (and Is Not) a Candidate for Non-Surgical Healing?
Not every herniated disc can heal without surgery. During a no-charge consultation, Dr. Boelk personally evaluates:
- MRI and X-ray findings
- Neurological symptoms
- Disc integrity and spinal stability
- Overall clinical presentation
If non-surgical care is not appropriate, you will be told directly.
Why Timing Makes a Difference
The longer a nerve remains compressed, the more sensitive it becomes. Patients who address disc pressure earlier often experience:
- Faster improvement
- Fewer flare-ups
- Better long-term outcomes
Because of demand, patients are seen 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
If you’ve been diagnosed with a herniated disc and want to know whether surgery can be avoided, the next step is simple.
Here’s how to begin:
- Call (619) 298-0800 or text (619) 884-8298 after hours
- Schedule your no-charge consultation
- Bring your MRI or imaging if available
- 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