Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment – San Diego, CA

 

A Structured, Non-Surgical Approach to Disc-Related Pain

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is one of the most common findings on spinal MRI. It is also one of the most misunderstood.

Many patients are told their symptoms are simply the result of aging or “wear and tear.” While disc dehydration and height loss are common over time, persistent pain is typically related to mechanical compression, instability, and inflammation — not aging alone.

 

If you are searching for degenerative disc disease treatment in San Diego, you are likely experiencing:

• Ongoing low back or neck pain
• Pain that worsens with sitting or standing
• Stiffness upon waking
• Radiating leg or arm discomfort
• MRI findings showing disc degeneration or height loss

The important question is not whether degeneration exists.
The question is whether it is contributing to your symptoms — and if so, how it can be addressed safely and effectively.

 

Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease

Spinal discs function as cushions between vertebrae. Over time, they may:

• Lose hydration
• Lose height
• Develop small annular tears
• Become less resilient under load

As disc height decreases, stress shifts to surrounding joints and nerves. This can result in:

• Chronic mechanical back pain
• Sciatic nerve irritation
• Reduced mobility
• Muscle guarding
• Progressive instability

When compression persists, inflammation tends to persist as well.

Effective treatment focuses on reducing mechanical stress while restoring stability.

 

A Non-Surgical Treatment Model

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, treatment is focused on mechanical correction rather than symptom masking.

Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC is a:

• Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
• California X-Ray Radiology Licensed
• Founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy
• Provider of over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments
• Operator of 7 DRX9000 spinal decompression systems

 

Disc rehabilitation has been the central focus of his practice for nearly two decades.

Patients are seen from throughout San Diego, as well as from other states and internationally, specifically for structured disc treatment protocols.

 

How Mechanical Compression Is Addressed

When appropriate, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may be recommended using the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression System.

This FDA-cleared, computer-guided system is designed to:

• Target specific spinal levels
• Reduce intradiscal pressure
• Improve disc hydration
• Promote circulation within the disc
• Decrease nerve compression

 

Unlike generalized traction or inversion therapy, decompression protocols are individualized based on imaging, symptom pattern, and clinical examination.

Because decompression is a passive therapy, it is paired with structured stabilization and strengthening exercises. Long-term improvement requires muscular support and mechanical correction — not passive treatment alone.

 

The Importance of Proper Evaluation

Not every patient with degenerative disc disease is a candidate for decompression treatment.

The initial consultation is designed to:

• Review MRI findings (if available)
• Perform a structured orthopedic and neurological examination
• Determine mechanical instability
• Identify contraindications
• Establish realistic expectations

If a patient is not an appropriate candidate, this is communicated clearly.

If treatment is appropriate, a structured plan is outlined before beginning.

 

Clinical Experience and Treatment Volume

Experience matters in disc rehabilitation.

Over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments have been performed in this office. Seven DRX9000 systems are housed in one clinic — a level of specialization that is uncommon in a private practice setting.

Many patients seek evaluation here after months or years of unsuccessful conservative treatment elsewhere. Others are referred by medical professionals who are looking for non-surgical alternatives before escalating to invasive procedures.

 

Patient Outcomes

Patients treated for degenerative disc conditions commonly report:

• Reduced daily pain levels
• Improved tolerance to sitting and standing
• Improved sleep
• Increased mobility
• Reduced reliance on medication

Individual results vary. The goal is measurable functional improvement.

 

At-Home Strategies That Support Disc Health

While undergoing evaluation or treatment, the following strategies often reduce mechanical stress:

• Avoid prolonged sitting without breaks
• Stand or walk every 30–45 minutes
• Maintain adequate hydration
• Perform gentle core stabilization exercises
• Avoid repetitive bending and twisting under load
• Sleep with spinal alignment support

These strategies do not reverse degeneration, but they can reduce aggravation and support long-term spinal mechanics.

 

Availability and Access

Because disc-focused treatment requires detailed evaluation and individualized planning, appointment availability is intentionally structured to allow sufficient time for assessment.

All new patient inquiries are handled through a 24/7 live answering service. Calls to (619) 298-0800 are answered at all hours to assist with scheduling or questions.

Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure appropriate evaluation time regardless of referral source.

 

Next Steps

If you have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and are seeking a non-surgical treatment option in San Diego, the first step is determining whether your case is appropriate for structured decompression and stabilization.

 

1. Call (619) 298-0800 — available 24/7
2. Schedule a no-charge consultation
3. Bring imaging if available
4. Review findings directly with Dr. Boelk
5. Discuss realistic options and expectations

The consultation is designed to determine candidacy and outline options clearly.

 

📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 (619) 298-0800 (24/7 answering service)
📱 (619) 884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com