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Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment Option in San Diego, CA
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a progressive condition that affects the spinal discs, leading to chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Although the name suggests it’s a disease, DDD is actually a natural part of aging that can be worsened by injuries, poor posture, repetitive strain, or genetic factors.
As the spinal discs deteriorate over time, they lose hydration, shrink, and become less effective at cushioning the spine. This can lead to:
✅ Increased pressure on nerves → Resulting in radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs.
✅ Herniated or bulging discs → As discs weaken, they may press against spinal nerves, causing discomfort.
✅ Spinal stenosis → The narrowing of the spinal canal can create nerve compression and chronic pain.
✅ Instability in the spine → Weak discs can cause abnormal movement between vertebrae, leading to muscle tightness and spasms.
Many people with DDD experience persistent discomfort in the neck or lower back that worsens with prolonged sitting, standing, bending, or lifting. Without proper treatment, the condition can continue to worsen over time, limiting daily activities and overall quality of life.
Why Does Degenerative Disc Disease Cause Pain?
Spinal discs act as shock absorbers, protecting the bones of the spine from impact and allowing smooth movement. When these discs begin to break down, they lose their cushioning ability, resulting in:
🔥 Chronic inflammation → Irritated nerves and surrounding tissues cause ongoing pain and stiffness.
🔥 Nerve compression → As the disc height decreases, the space for nerves narrows, leading to radiating pain, numbness, or weakness.
🔥 Instability in the spine → Weakened discs fail to support spinal alignment, increasing strain on muscles and ligaments.
While many people turn to pain medications, injections, or even surgery, these treatments often fail to address the root cause of the problem—disc degeneration and compression.
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) – Very Effective Treatment for DDD
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, we specialize in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD), an FDA-cleared, research-backed treatment that directly targets degenerative disc disease at its source.
How NSSD Works for Degenerative Disc Disease:
✔ Creates negative pressure in the spine, reducing compression on weakened discs.
✔ Restores hydration and nutrients to the discs, slowing degeneration and promoting healing.
✔ Relieves nerve compression, reducing pain, numbness, and inflammation.
✔ Improves mobility by restoring proper spinal alignment and function.
Unlike pain medications, spinal injections, or traditional chiropractic adjustments, NSSD actually helps to regenerate damaged discs and relieve pressure on spinal nerves—leading to long-term pain relief and improved function.
Why a Personalized Treatment Plan Matters
While Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is highly effective, it must be combined with a customized rehabilitation plan to prevent future flare-ups and maintain results.
At our clinic, we develop personalized treatment programs that address the specific needs of each patient, incorporating:
🔹 Spinal Stability & Strengthening Exercises → To support the spine and prevent further disc degeneration.
🔹 Flexibility & Mobility Training → To restore movement and reduce strain on the spine.
🔹 Postural Corrections & Proper Movement Mechanics → To minimize stress on weakened discs and prevent re-injury.
By combining passive therapy (NSSD) with active therapy, we help patients achieve lasting relief and improve their overall spinal health.
Why Patients Trust Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC
Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC, is a leading expert in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and the founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he trains doctors nationwide in the latest protocols for treating spinal disc conditions.
✔ Over 50,000 spinal decompression treatments performed
✔ Seven DRX9000 spinal decompression tables – the largest provider in California
✔ FDA-cleared, research-backed spinal decompression therapy
✔ Comprehensive care combining decompression, rehab, and spinal stability training
✔ Patients fly in from across the U.S. and internationally for his expertise
✔ Regardless of referrals from medical doctors, orthopedic specialists, neurologists, or chiropractors, every case is thoroughly evaluated to determine the best treatment approach
Real Patients, Real Results – Testimonials
Real Patients, Real Results – Testimonials from San Diego & Beyond
⭐ "Dr. Boelk and his team are the best in the business!"
"I have had lower back problems for over 5 years and had seen 6 other doctors searching for options besides surgery. When I came in early January, I couldn't bend and was walking with a limp. By February, I was able to bend with minimal pain, and by March, I had zero pain and could walk normally.
"I am EXTREMELY happy I didn’t have surgery and found Dr. Boelk. Trust him and the process—he will get you feeling better. He also said from the beginning that if progress wasn’t happening, he would let me know, which was not the case with other specialists I had seen. I really appreciate that honesty."
📍 Calder Pearce, San Diego, CA – 3/07/25
⭐ "I was so tired of being in pain and felt like I had tried everything."
"After two unsuccessful cortisone shots recommended by my primary care doctor, I began asking people about their experiences with back surgery. Even my doctor mentioned that surgery might be my only option. I wanted to avoid it at all costs."
"Sometimes, Google is magic—I started researching spinal decompression and came across Dr. Boelk and his team. It’s not a quick fix, but healing takes time and patience. After my consultation, where I felt truly heard, I decided to commit to the treatment plan. Now, I am completely pain-free after 18 treatments!"
"I plan to continue a maintenance routine as part of my self-care goals, and I’m finally feeling zero discomfort—no meds, no injections, just committing to Dr. Boelk’s recommended treatment plan."
📍 Marlo Surovsky, San Diego, CA
⭐ "I travel from the UK to see Dr. Boelk and his wonderful team."
"I have three bulging discs, and one is pressing on my nerve. Dr. Boelk’s spinal decompression treatments keep me active and pain-free. I wouldn’t go to anyone else for back treatment. This place is #1, and they genuinely care about their patients!"
📍 Lisa S., United Kingdom
⭐ "The care I received at Dr. Boelk’s office was incredible!"
"Before coming here, I had to lay down for several hours a day just to get through. After treatment, I was able to live my life normally again and even started building up my exercise capacity."
"I always felt cared for and supported. The exercise and information Dr. Boelk provides are crucial to maintaining positive results and pain reduction. The entire staff is amazing, and coming here was one of the best decisions I made for my back!"
📍 Kaitelyn H., San Diego, CA
Find Relief from Degenerative Disc Disease – Contact Us Today
If you’re dealing with degenerative disc disease and want to avoid surgery, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is the most effective treatment option. Relief is possible without injections, drugs, or downtime.
📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
📍 5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92123
📞 Call or Text: 619-298-0800
🌐 SanDiegoBackCare.com
💡 Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward pain-free living!