Degenerative Disc Disease Pain Relief in San Diego, CA 

 

What It Is, What You Can Do, and How to Find Lasting Relief

From The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is one of the most common causes of chronic low back and neck pain in adults. And while the word “disease” can sound intimidating, DDD is actually a condition that refers to the gradual breakdown of the spinal discs – the shock absorbers between your vertebrae.

 

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, we specialize in helping patients find real, lasting relief from the pain and limitations of DDD without the use of drugs, injections, or surgery. Led by Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC, a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, our office offers the most advanced and researched-backed Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) treatments using the DRX9000 – the most effective decompression system available.

 

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative Disc Disease occurs when the spinal discs begin to lose hydration, elasticity, and height. Over time, this can lead to:

• Pain in the neck, mid back, or low back
• Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs
• Muscle weakness due to nerve compression
• Difficulty sitting, standing, or walking for long periods

Although aging is one factor, DDD is not inevitable. Repetitive stress, poor posture, sports injuries, disc trauma, and spinal compression from daily life can all contribute to early disc degeneration.

 

How Does It Happen?

Spinal discs rely on movement and proper alignment to stay healthy. When spinal joints are compressed or misaligned, or if the core and hip stabilizers are weak, the discs are placed under more stress. This leads to small tears in the outer disc fibers, fluid loss, reduced disc height, and eventually nerve compression.

Once a disc begins to degenerate, the body often reacts with inflammation, bone spur formation, and reduced mobility – all of which further increase pain and dysfunction.

 

What You Can Do at Home to Help Degenerative Disc Disease

The Right Home Care Can Make a Big Difference. 

 

Here are some of the most effective at-home strategies we share with our patients in San Diego:

✅ Daily Mobility Exercises – Gentle movement is key. Slow cat-cow stretches, hip mobility drills, and gentle back extensions help restore motion without irritating the discs.
✅ Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition – Reducing sugar, alcohol, and processed foods while increasing omega-3s and hydration helps decrease disc inflammation.
✅ Core Stability Training – Strengthening your glutes, deep abdominals, and hips offloads the discs and reduces flare-ups.
✅ Supportive Posture – Use a lumbar support while sitting and avoid slouching. Proper spinal alignment allows for healing and pressure relief.

 

The Worst Things You Can Do for Degenerative Disc Pain

🚫 Avoiding Movement Entirely – While rest is important in short bursts, doing nothing for days or weeks can lead to more stiffness, weakness, and pain.
🚫 High-Impact Activities – Running, jumping, and aggressive twisting exercises often worsen disc breakdown and nerve pain.
🚫 Relying on Painkillers or Injections – These may cover up the symptoms but don’t fix the source of the problem, and often lead to long-term dependency.
🚫 Improper Lifting and Bending – Poor form when lifting or repeated forward flexion (like bending over to tie shoes) increases disc pressure.

 

The Best Things You Can Do – Including NSSD and Active Therapy

When home care isn’t enough, the best long-term solution is a combination of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) and active spinal rehabilitation. This is what sets Dr. Boelk’s San Diego clinic apart.

 

✅ Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) – We exclusively use the FDA-cleared DRX9000, the gold standard in spinal decompression technology. This system gently stretches the spine, creating negative pressure inside the disc. That allows oxygen, nutrients, and fluid to re-enter the disc – rehydrating and healing it naturally.

 

The DRX9000 has been researched by Stanford University, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and Duke Medical Center, showing high success rates in relieving disc pain. Unlike generic traction or inversion tables, true decompression targets the exact disc levels with precision settings based on your condition.

 

✅ Active Therapy – Once decompression has reduced inflammation and nerve compression, Dr. Boelk and his team incorporate personalized stability and mobility training to:

• Rebuild support muscles around the spine
• Correct muscle imbalances
• Prevent future flare-ups
• Restore long-term strength and function

This combination allows patients to return to doing what they love without pain – whether that’s working, traveling, surfing, or playing with their kids.

 

Why Dr. Boelk DC Is So Effective at Treating Degenerative Disc Disease

• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
• Over 65,000 spinal decompression treatments performed
• Founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, training doctors nationwide
• Patients fly in from Mexico, Spain, UK, and all over the U.S. to receive care
• 20 years of experience helping patients avoid back surgery naturally
• Recovered from his own severe spinal injuries, so he understands what works—and what doesn’t

 

Ready to Find Out if You’re a Candidate?

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, we offer no-charge consultations to determine if you qualify for NSSD. Not everyone is a candidate, and we only accept those we believe we can help. Whether you were referred by a medical doctor, physical therapist, or friend, all patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

📍 Location: 5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92123
📞 Call: 619-298-0800 (Office) | 619-884-8298 (Text Line)
🌐 Website: www.SanDiegoBackCare.com

 

Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC – Credentials at a Glance:

• Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
• Founder, Spinal Decompression Training Academy
• Over 65,000 spinal decompression treatments performed
• Trains doctors nationally in advanced DRX9000 protocols
• Trusted by patients from San Diego to Spain

 

If you're tired of living with chronic disc pain and looking for a solution that actually corrects the root of the problem—not just masks it—reach out to our office today. Relief may be just a call or click away.

 

 

"I was so tired of being in pain and felt I had tried all resources. After two unsuccessful cortisone shots, I found spinal decompression. I’m so grateful I found Dr. Boelk. After a consultation where I felt heard and never rushed, I committed to the plan. I am so glad I did."
— Marlo Surovsky, San Diego, CA

 

"I now travel from El Centro four times a week because of the amazing results. I feel better and have recommended this treatment to my family and friends. Thank you!"
— Mercedes Bautista, El Centro, CA

 

"I travel from the UK to see Dr. Boelk and his wonderful team. I have 3 bulging discs and one is touching the nerve. The spinal decompression treatments really help keep me in my active life. I will not go to anyone else for back treatment."
— Skate Lisa, UK