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DO I NEED SURGERY FOR SCIATICA? – SAN DIEGO, CA

DO I NEED SURGERY FOR SCIATICA? – SAN DIEGO, CA

When Sciatica May Require Surgery And When Conservative Treatment May Still Be An Option

If you've been suffering from sciatica for weeks, months, or even years, you've probably asked yourself:

"Do I need surgery?"

It's one of the most common questions Dr. Cassidy Boelk hears from patients.

Many arrive after trying:

  • Physical Therapy

  • Chiropractic Care

  • Massage Therapy

  • Stretching

  • Pain Medication

  • Epidural Injections

Some already have an MRI showing:

  • A Herniated Disc

  • A Disc Extrusion

  • Spinal Stenosis

  • Degenerative Disc Disease

Others have already met with a surgeon.

Many are simply trying to determine whether surgery is truly necessary or whether conservative treatment options may still be available.

The answer depends on the individual patient.

Not every patient needs surgery.

Not every patient can avoid surgery.

The key is understanding the difference.

"THE SCIATICA IS GONE AND I'M ALMOST BACK TO NORMAL"

“I have had a wonderful experience with Dr. Boelk and his staff at the Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Center of San Diego. They have a great protocol and the best decompression machines. I’ve been to other places with sub par machines and didn’t get any benefit. Dr. Boelk is very attentive and cares about each person, you can see it in how he interacts with everyone. Been undergoing treatment for about 12 sessions now and the sciatica is gone and I’m almost back to normal, didn’t think it would ever heal but even after the first session I had tremendous relief and could sleep mostly pain free for the first time in months. Definitely worth the investment! Thank you!”

— Michael Langsdale, San Diego, CA

BEFORE YOU AGREE TO SURGERY, GET THE FACTS

If you've been diagnosed with:

✔ Sciatica

✔ A Herniated Disc

✔ A Disc Extrusion

✔ Spinal Stenosis

✔ Burning Leg Pain

✔ Foot Numbness

✔ Tingling

The next step is simple.

Schedule A No-Charge Consultation With Dr. Cassidy Boelk

During your consultation, Dr. Boelk will personally:

✔ Review Your MRI (If Available)

✔ Listen To Your History And Symptoms

✔ Explain What He Believes May Be Causing Your Sciatica

✔ Determine Whether You May Be A Candidate For Treatment

✔ Discuss Conservative Treatment Options

✔ Answer Your Questions

✔ Tell You Honestly If He Believes Surgery Is Necessary

Many patients tell us they finally understand their MRI and treatment options after this visit.

There is no obligation and no pressure.

The goal is simply to determine whether Dr. Boelk believes he can genuinely help.

Because Dr. Boelk personally performs consultations and MRI reviews himself, only a limited number of new patient consultation appointments are available each week.

Call 619-298-0800 or visit www.SanDiegoBackCare.com to request an appointment.

WHAT IS SCIATICA?

Sciatica is not actually a diagnosis.

Sciatica is a symptom.

It occurs when a nerve in the lower back becomes irritated or compressed.

This may create symptoms such as:

  • Burning Leg Pain

  • Foot Numbness

  • Tingling

  • Electrical Pain

  • Weakness

  • Difficulty Sitting

  • Difficulty Driving

The most common causes Dr. Boelk sees include:

  • Herniated Discs

  • Disc Extrusions

  • Degenerative Disc Disease

  • Foraminal Stenosis

  • Spinal Stenosis

WHEN SURGERY MAY BE NECESSARY

This is an important conversation many patients never have.

There are situations where surgery may absolutely be appropriate.

Examples may include:

Progressive Muscle Weakness

If strength continues worsening, prompt evaluation may be necessary.

Loss Of Bowel Or Bladder Control

This may represent a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

Severe Neurological Deficits

Certain nerve injuries require urgent evaluation.

Significant Structural Instability

Some spinal conditions may require surgical management.

This is why every patient should be evaluated individually.

WHEN PATIENTS OFTEN EXPLORE CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT FIRST

Many patients experiencing sciatica do not immediately require surgery.

Some patients prefer to first understand:

  • What their MRI actually means

  • Whether their symptoms correlate with imaging findings

  • Whether conservative options remain available

  • Whether surgery is truly necessary

This is where an accurate diagnosis becomes extremely important.

WHY DISC INJURIES CAN CONTINUE CAUSING SCIATICA

One reason sciatica can become chronic is because spinal discs are unique.

Unlike muscles and many other tissues, discs rely heavily on:

  • Fluid Exchange

  • Nutrient Diffusion

  • Oxygen Diffusion

Think of a sponge.

When a sponge remains compressed, fluid movement becomes restricted.

Many spine specialists believe a similar process may occur within injured spinal discs.

This may help explain why some patients continue suffering long after the original injury occurred.

7 THINGS DR. BOELK WOULD DO BEFORE CONSIDERING SURGERY FOR SCIATICA

1. Make Sure The Diagnosis Is Correct

Not all leg pain is true sciatica.

2. Review The MRI Carefully

MRI findings should match symptoms.

3. Avoid Prolonged Sitting

Many patients notice sitting dramatically increases symptoms.

4. Walk Frequently

Short walks are often better tolerated than prolonged sitting.

5. Avoid Repeated Bending And Twisting

These movements may aggravate some disc injuries.

6. Stay Hydrated

Healthy discs rely heavily on water content.

7. Understand All Available Options

Major healthcare decisions should be made after understanding all reasonable treatment options.

"IT MADE ME WANT TO CRY IT HURT SO BAD"

**“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

WHY PATIENTS SEEK OUT DR. BOELK FOR SCIATICA

For nearly 22 years, Dr. Boelk has focused heavily on disc-related conditions.

Over the years he has personally performed:

More Than 100,000 Spinal Decompression Treatments

The office currently operates:

7 DRX9000 Systems

Including:

  • 4 Lumbar Systems

  • 3 Cervical Systems

Many doctors travel to San Diego to learn his protocols through the Spinal Decompression Training Academy.

Patients have traveled from throughout California, other states, Mexico, Canada, England, and Spain seeking consultation and treatment.

"WE BOTH DETERMINED THAT SURGERY WAS MY ONLY OPTION"

“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.”

— Jeff J., Tucson, AZ

Still wondering whether a herniated disc may be causing your sciatica? Read: Non-Surgical Herniated Disc Treatment – San Diego, CA

READY TO FIND OUT WHETHER SURGERY IS REALLY NECESSARY?

If you've been told surgery may be your next option, don't continue guessing.

A consultation with Dr. Boelk may help you better understand:

✔ What Your MRI Means

✔ What May Be Causing Your Symptoms

✔ Whether Conservative Treatment Options May Still Exist

✔ Whether He Believes You May Be A Candidate For Treatment

✔ Whether Surgery May Actually Be The Best Option

To Request A No-Charge Consultation:

📞 Call 619-298-0800

🌐 Visit www.SanDiegoBackCare.com

📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center Of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123

Because Dr. Boelk personally performs consultations and MRI reviews himself, only a limited number of new patient consultation appointments are available each week.

Get Fast Pain Relief Now

Schedule a Complimentary, No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation or to submit a question, simply fill out the form to the right and click submit.

(619) 298-0800