Chiropractor That Does Spinal Decompression in San Diego, CA
If you're searching for a chiropractor that does spinal decompression in San Diego, California, you're probably looking for something more specialized than a traditional chiropractic adjustment.
Perhaps you've been diagnosed with a herniated disc, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, or a pinched nerve. You may have already tried chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, medications, or spinal injections without getting the relief you hoped for.
You may also have heard about non-surgical spinal decompression and want to know which chiropractors in San Diego actually offer this treatment.
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego specializes in evaluating patients with disc-related spinal conditions and offers non-surgical spinal decompression using the DRX9000 system.
The center is directed by Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC, a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist with more than 22 years of clinical experience.
Located in Kearny Mesa, the practice features seven DRX9000 spinal decompression systems, including four lumbar and three cervical units.
Dr. Boelk has overseen more than 100,000 spinal decompression treatment sessions throughout his career and is the founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he teaches other doctors specialized decompression protocols and techniques.
For patients considering spinal decompression, the first step is determining whether their particular condition may be appropriate for treatment.
Limited No-Charge Spinal Decompression Consultations Available
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Discuss your herniated disc, sciatica, neck pain, or lower back symptoms.
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Review previous treatments and available MRI findings.
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Learn how DRX9000 non-surgical spinal decompression works.
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Understand the difference between chiropractic adjustments and spinal decompression.
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Discuss whether further examination or imaging may be appropriate.
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Explore your options without committing to a treatment program.
Call 619-298-0800 to schedule a no-charge consultation.
Do All Chiropractors Offer Spinal Decompression?
No. Although chiropractors commonly treat musculoskeletal conditions, not every chiropractic office offers non-surgical spinal decompression.
Some chiropractors focus primarily on spinal adjustments, rehabilitation, or general musculoskeletal care.
Others incorporate mechanical traction into their treatment programs.
A smaller number of practices devote a substantial portion of their clinical services to specialized spinal decompression equipment and disc-related spinal conditions.
The equipment can also vary considerably.
Some offices use conventional traction tables, while others use computerized systems such as the DRX9000.
These devices may differ in positioning, treatment controls, and how traction forces are delivered.
However, more sophisticated equipment does not automatically mean better clinical results. The quality of the evaluation, appropriate patient selection, and overall treatment plan remain important.
For patients searching for a chiropractor that does spinal decompression in San Diego, it is worth asking how much experience the provider has with disc-related conditions and how treatment candidacy is determined.
Why Would Someone Choose Spinal Decompression Instead of a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Traditional chiropractic adjustments and non-surgical spinal decompression are different treatments.
A chiropractic adjustment generally involves applying a controlled manual or instrument-assisted force to a spinal or other joint.
Spinal decompression uses mechanical traction to apply carefully controlled pulling forces to selected regions of the spine.
For some patients, spinal adjustments may be appropriate for certain mechanical pain patterns or joint mobility problems.
For others, symptoms may be associated with disc herniations, nerve irritation, or other spinal conditions that require a different approach.
Spinal decompression may be considered as one component of conservative care for selected patients with disc-related symptoms.
It is not automatically superior to chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, or other conservative treatments.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the patient's diagnosis, examination findings, medical history, and response to previous care.
A Patient's Experience After Years of Lower Back Pain
Many patients who contact Dr. Boelk's office have already spent months or years trying to manage their symptoms.
Some have seen multiple healthcare providers while searching for alternatives to surgery.
Calder Pearce described his experience after more than five years of lower back problems.
Patient Testimonial – Calder Pearce, San Diego, CA
“Dr. Boelk and his team are the best in the business! I have had lower back problems for over 5 years and been to 6 other doctors seeking options other than surgery. I came in early January not able to bend and walking with a limp. By February I was able to bend again with minimal pain and by March I am now able to bend without any pain and am able to walk normally.
I am EXTREMELY happy I did not have surgery and found Dr. Boelk. Trust him and the process and he will get you feeling better. He also said from the beginning that if at any stage in the process he felt like progress wasn't happening he would let me know which was not the case with other specialist I have seen in the past so I appreciate that.”
Individual results vary, and not every patient can avoid surgery. However, this experience helps illustrate why patients often seek specialized conservative treatment before considering more invasive procedures.
What Conditions Might Lead Someone to Search for a Spinal Decompression Chiropractor?
Patients often begin researching spinal decompression after receiving an MRI report or being diagnosed with a specific spinal condition.
Dr. Boelk evaluates patients with conditions including:
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Lumbar disc herniations
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Cervical disc herniations
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L4-L5 disc bulges and herniations
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L5-S1 disc bulges and herniations
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C5-C6 and C6-C7 disc injuries
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Sciatica
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Degenerative disc disease
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Certain cases of foraminal stenosis
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Chronic lower back pain
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Chronic neck pain
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Disc protrusions and extrusions
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Annular tears or fissures
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Pinched nerves
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Radiating arm or leg pain
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Certain cases of spondylolisthesis
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Persistent disc-related symptoms after previous conservative treatment
Not everyone with one of these diagnoses is an appropriate candidate for spinal decompression.
For example, someone with a lumbar disc herniation and radiating leg pain may have different treatment needs from a patient with advanced spinal stenosis or significant spinal instability.
A thorough evaluation helps determine whether decompression is appropriate or whether another treatment approach may be preferable.
What Is the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression System?
The DRX9000 is a motorized spinal decompression system designed to apply controlled traction forces to the spine.
During treatment, the patient is positioned on a specialized table while the equipment delivers programmed cycles of traction and relaxation.
Treatment parameters can be adjusted according to the patient's condition, tolerance, and response.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, the facility includes:
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Four DRX9000 lumbar spinal decompression systems
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Three cervical spinal decompression systems
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Seven total spinal decompression units
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Dedicated spinal decompression treatment areas
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Individualized treatment protocols
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Rehabilitation and spinal stabilization services
Dr. Boelk has focused extensively on the DRX9000 platform and has trained other healthcare professionals in its clinical application.
Although the DRX9000 provides controlled mechanical traction, current research does not establish that it is universally superior to other traction systems.
Appropriate patient selection, clinical judgment, and rehabilitation remain important parts of care.
Can Spinal Decompression Help a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when material from the inner portion of a spinal disc pushes beyond its normal boundaries.
Depending on the location, the herniated material may irritate or compress a nearby spinal nerve.
This can produce symptoms such as lower back pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
For selected patients, non-surgical spinal decompression may be considered as part of a conservative treatment program.
The DRX9000 applies controlled traction forces with the objective of reducing mechanical loading on selected spinal structures.
Some studies suggest that mechanical traction may provide short-term pain relief or functional improvement for certain patients with lumbar disc-related symptoms.
However, the overall research remains mixed, and spinal decompression has not been established as a reliable way to reverse disc herniations or eliminate the need for surgery.
A thorough evaluation is necessary before recommending treatment.
Patient Experience: Severe Sciatica and Difficulty Sleeping
Sciatica can be particularly disruptive because symptoms often travel beyond the lower back and into the leg.
Some patients experience burning pain, tingling, numbness, or shooting discomfort that interferes with sitting, walking, or sleeping.
Abel T. shared his experience after an accident caused severe back pain and radiating sciatic symptoms.
Patient Testimonial – Abel T., San Diego, CA
“I had really bad back problems to the point I couldn’t sleep, also had pain radiating along the sciatic nerve which ran down one leg from the lower back—caused by an accident.
I came in and talked to Dr. Cassidy about my back problems. He evaluated me and mentioned I was a good candidate for this treatment. After the first 2 decompression sessions my sciatic pain was gone and we were able to work on the root of the problem. I did a total of 24 sessions, after which I was able to start rehabilitation training to strengthen my core.
The office is super nice and the staff’s customer service is above and beyond.
Back and neck issues are horrible to live with—trust me, I know firsthand. I gained weight, took pain killers, went into depression, and had major anxiety. I’m over it now—feeling better, walking, sleeping well, and starting to have a better social life as well.
The experience for me has been nothing but excellent. Dr. Cassidy Boelk is hands down amazing—super glad I came here.”
How Much Experience Should a Spinal Decompression Chiropractor Have?
Experience is an important consideration when choosing a provider for a complex spinal condition.
Spinal decompression should not be approached as a one-size-fits-all treatment.
A patient with an L5-S1 disc herniation causing S1 nerve irritation may have different needs from someone with cervical foraminal stenosis and radiating arm pain.
Likewise, patients with significant spinal instability, progressive neurological weakness, or certain postoperative conditions may not be appropriate candidates.
Dr. Boelk has overseen more than 100,000 spinal decompression treatment sessions throughout his clinical career.
He also founded the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he teaches other doctors about patient selection, treatment protocols, and decompression techniques.
His approach emphasizes understanding the patient's condition before recommending treatment.
Meet Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC
Dr. Boelk's interest in spinal rehabilitation began with his own experience as a patient.
As a teenager, he fractured his lower back and later experienced lumbar disc herniations and sciatica.
Those injuries influenced his professional interest in helping people manage spinal pain and regain function.
He understands how difficult it can be when back or neck pain interferes with exercise, work, family activities, and an active lifestyle.
Over the years, he has devoted thousands of hours to his own spinal rehabilitation while helping patients with similar conditions.
His professional qualifications and experience include:
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Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
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Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
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Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
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Founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy
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Founding Member of the American Spinal Decompression Society
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Member of the International Disc Education Association
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California X-ray Radiology Licensed Doctor
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More than 22 years of clinical experience
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Experience overseeing more than 100,000 spinal decompression treatment sessions
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Advanced experience with DRX9000 lumbar and cervical spinal decompression systems
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Instructor for doctors learning non-surgical spinal decompression protocols and techniques
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Extensive experience evaluating herniated discs, sciatica, and chronic spinal conditions
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Specialized interest in spinal rehabilitation, mobility, and stabilization
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Personal experience recovering from a spinal fracture, disc herniations, and sciatica
Dr. Boelk continues to maintain an active lifestyle that includes strength training, surfing, and other recreational activities.
His approach emphasizes helping patients improve function and return to the activities that matter to them whenever possible.
What Happens During a Spinal Decompression Consultation?
The center offers limited no-charge consultations for prospective patients interested in learning more about spinal decompression.
The initial consultation provides an opportunity to discuss symptoms, previous treatments, and available imaging.
Patients can ask questions about the DRX9000 system and learn whether a more comprehensive evaluation may be appropriate.
If additional evaluation is recommended, it may involve:
Medical history: Reviewing symptoms, previous injuries, surgeries, and treatment experiences.
Physical examination: Assessing movement, function, and relevant musculoskeletal findings.
Neurological examination: Evaluating muscle strength, reflexes, sensation, and other findings when indicated.
Imaging review: Reviewing available MRI or X-ray studies and determining whether additional imaging is necessary.
Spinal stability: Standing spinal X-rays, including flexion and extension views when clinically appropriate, may help identify certain forms of instability.
Treatment candidacy: Determining whether spinal decompression is appropriate or whether another treatment approach or specialist referral is preferable.
The no-charge consultation does not include every component of a comprehensive examination. Any recommended additional services are discussed separately.
How Many Spinal Decompression Sessions Are Typically Recommended?
The number of sessions depends on the patient's condition, symptoms, treatment response, and clinical findings.
At Dr. Boelk's practice, many spinal decompression programs involve approximately 12 to 24 sessions, often scheduled several times per week.
A typical decompression session lasts approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Some patients may also benefit from a structured rehabilitation program involving spinal stabilization, mobility, and strengthening exercises.
Progress is periodically reassessed to determine whether meaningful improvement is occurring.
Treatment recommendations should be adjusted according to the patient's response rather than continuing indefinitely without reassessment.
Why Rehabilitation Matters Alongside Spinal Decompression
Reducing pain is only one part of managing a spinal condition.
Patients also need to regain strength, movement confidence, and the ability to tolerate everyday activities.
Depending on the patient's diagnosis and symptoms, rehabilitation may include:
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Core stabilization exercises
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Modified bird dogs
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Glute strengthening
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Hip mobility exercises
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Progressive resistance training
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Walking programs
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Movement modification
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Postural endurance exercises
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Gradual return to sports and recreational activities
Exercise selection should be individualized.
Some patients with disc herniations experience increased symptoms with repeated lumbar flexion, while others may be more sensitive to extension.
The goal is to improve function without unnecessarily aggravating symptoms.
Not Everyone Is a Candidate for Spinal Decompression
One of the most important responsibilities of a spinal decompression chiropractor is recognizing when treatment is not appropriate.
Certain medical conditions may require additional evaluation or make decompression unsuitable.
These can include:
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Acute spinal fractures
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Significant spinal instability
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Progressive neurological weakness
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Certain postoperative conditions involving spinal hardware
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Spinal tumors or infections
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Severe osteoporosis
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Certain cases of significant spondylolisthesis
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Pregnancy when considering lumbar decompression
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Other conditions requiring specialist or surgical management
New bowel or bladder dysfunction, saddle anesthesia, or rapidly progressive neurological weakness requires emergency medical evaluation.
Dr. Boelk emphasizes patient selection and may recommend additional imaging or specialist consultation when necessary.
Patient Testimonial – Jeff J., Tucson, AZ
“I found this terrific practice on social media. I followed up and did my own research so I decided to pay them a visit. The place is clean, well organized and run by a very efficient receptionist. I met with the doctor and after a honest and forthright conversation, we both determined that surgery was my only option to correct my back issues. I will return as a customer when the time is right.”
This experience reflects an important part of the clinic's approach: helping patients understand their options, even when spinal decompression is not recommended.
Do You Need a Referral to See a Chiropractor Who Offers Spinal Decompression?
Patients can generally contact The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego directly to schedule a consultation.
A referral from another healthcare provider is not typically required for a self-pay consultation.
The center also receives patients referred by chiropractors, medical doctors, physical therapists, orthopedic specialists, neurologists, and other healthcare professionals.
Patients are evaluated according to their clinical needs and appointment availability, regardless of referral source.
Patients Travel From Throughout San Diego County for Spinal Decompression
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego is conveniently located in Kearny Mesa near Interstate 15 and major San Diego roadways.
The clinic serves patients from:
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Kearny Mesa
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Mission Valley
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Clairemont
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Mira Mesa
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La Jolla
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Chula Vista
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El Cajon
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Santee
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La Mesa
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Poway
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Rancho Bernardo
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Carlsbad
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Encinitas
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Other San Diego County communities
Some patients also travel from outside California and international locations, including Mexico, Canada, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
For patients considering travel, the office can discuss the consultation process, available imaging, and scheduling considerations before making arrangements.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Chiropractor That Does Spinal Decompression
Before beginning treatment, patients should consider asking several questions.
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What experience does the chiropractor have evaluating herniated discs and sciatica?
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What type of spinal decompression equipment does the office use?
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How does the provider determine whether someone is a candidate?
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Will the chiropractor review existing MRI findings?
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How many treatments might be recommended?
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How will progress be measured?
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Is rehabilitation included when appropriate?
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What conditions would make spinal decompression unsuitable?
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Will the provider recommend another specialist when necessary?
Choosing a provider who takes the time to explain the diagnosis and treatment options can help patients make informed decisions.
Schedule a No-Charge Consultation With a Chiropractor That Does Spinal Decompression in San Diego, CA
If you're looking for a chiropractor in San Diego who offers non-surgical spinal decompression, The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego provides an opportunity to learn whether this treatment may be appropriate for your condition.
Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC, offers limited no-charge consultations for prospective patients interested in DRX9000 spinal decompression.
During the consultation, patients can discuss their symptoms, review previous treatment experiences, and learn whether a more comprehensive evaluation may be appropriate.
There is no charge for the initial consultation and no obligation to begin treatment. Any recommended examination, imaging, or treatment is discussed separately.
For patients dealing with a herniated disc, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, or persistent spinal pain, understanding the available options is an important first step.
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC
Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
Founder, Spinal Decompression Training Academy
Office Address:
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: 619-298-0800
Website: www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
Email: frontdesk@sandiegobackcare.com
24/7 telephone answering service available. Hablamos Español.
Located in Kearny Mesa, serving patients throughout San Diego County.
If you're searching for a chiropractor that does spinal decompression in San Diego, contact the office to learn whether a consultation with Dr. Boelk may be appropriate for your condition.