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Disc Extrusion Treatment Without Surgery – San Diego, CA
Hearing the words:
“disc extrusion”
on an MRI report can be extremely intimidating for many patients.
People often immediately begin worrying about:
- surgery
- injections
- permanent nerve damage
- weakness
- chronic pain
- loss of mobility
Many patients diagnosed with a disc extrusion are already struggling with:
- severe sciatica
- burning leg pain
- numbness
- tingling
- calf tightness
- weakness
- difficulty walking
- severe pain sitting
- trouble sleeping
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC regularly evaluates patients suffering from severe disc injuries and trying to determine whether conservative treatment may still be possible before considering injections or surgery.
As a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor, Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, and a doctor who has personally performed over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments, Dr. Boelk focuses heavily on helping patients understand whether spinal disc pressure and nerve irritation may actually be contributing to symptoms.
“The MRI Showed an Extruded Disc Pressing on My L5 Nerve”
“Last year, I spent three months constantly going back and forth between doctor’s appointments and urgent care. The pain was unbearable—I was taking medication regularly just to get through the day.
Getting out of bed was excruciating, and walking or standing felt like torture. Every step filled me with dread.
In December, my doctor finally ordered an MRI. That’s when I learned I had an extruded disc pressing on my L5 nerve, which affects the leg and foot.
My doctor scheduled two follow-up appointments: one for pain management (spinal injections), and another to evaluate me for surgery.
Then I discovered spinal decompression therapy. I was thrilled to find a non-invasive alternative. I never ended up needing either of those appointments.
Now, I’m walking regularly, standing up straight—something I couldn’t do before. When I first sought help, I was so hunched over that I had to use a cane just to move forward.
Because of the pain, I hadn’t exercised in months. But now, I’m doing a program called 75 Hard which requires not one but 2 45-minute workouts per day, and I've even gotten back to lifting weights!
I’m so thankful I found this place.”
— Amanda, San Diego, CA
Many patients are surprised to learn that some disc extrusions may still respond well to conservative treatment depending on:
- severity
- nerve involvement
- stability
- movement mechanics
- chronicity
- treatment approach
Not every patient is a candidate, which is why proper evaluation matters.
Start Here: Disc Extrusion Consultation – San Diego, CA
At our San Diego office, Dr. Boelk begins with a no-charge consultation designed to help determine:
- whether the disc extrusion may actually be contributing to symptoms
- whether nerve irritation may be involved
- whether conservative treatment may still be appropriate
- whether spinal decompression therapy may be reasonable
This consultation is designed to help patients gain clarity before making larger decisions regarding injections or surgery.
What Happens During This Consultation
Dr. Boelk will take the time to:
- review your symptoms and health history
- discuss previous treatment attempts
- review MRI findings if available
- evaluate aggravating positions and movement patterns
- explain how disc pressure and nerve irritation may contribute to symptoms
- discuss how spinal decompression works
- provide honest recommendations based on your condition
What You’ll Walk Away With
By the end of the consultation, you’ll better understand:
- what may actually be causing your symptoms
- whether the disc extrusion may be contributing
- whether nerve irritation may be involved
- whether conservative treatment may still be possible
- what realistic next steps may look like moving forward
If appropriate, a more detailed physical evaluation and any necessary imaging can then be performed.
👉 This consultation is provided at no charge so patients can make informed decisions before moving forward.
⚠️ Not every patient is a candidate
⚠️ Not every condition can avoid surgery
⚠️ Treatment is only recommended when appropriate
📞 619-298-0800
📍 5095 Murphy Canyon Rd, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
✅ 24/7 Live Answering Service
✅ Se Habla Español
What Is a Disc Extrusion?
A disc extrusion is a more advanced type of disc injury where disc material pushes outward through the outer layers of the disc.
Depending on:
- size
- location
- nerve involvement
- inflammation
- instability
patients may experience:
- severe sciatica
- burning leg pain
- numbness
- tingling
- weakness
- pain sitting
- calf tightness
- difficulty walking
- sleep disruption
Some patients experience manageable symptoms.
Others struggle with severe pain that dramatically affects daily life.
“They Were Surprised I Was Even Walking”
“I herniated my L4-L5 disc. The MRI showed it was 0.9 centimeters out of place and they were surprised I was even walking.
I had terrible sciatica and could barely sleep.
I went to a different decompression clinic first, but they had inferior tables and I actually got worse.
After wasting a bunch of money there, I came here.
The first night after treatment I was able to sleep throughout the night without pain.
After about three months of treatment, I went to Italy and I was good to go. I was able to surf again, hike again, and get back to normal activities.
These guys are the best. The staff is amazing and everyone really cares about you.”
— Michael Langsdale, San Diego, CA
Common Signs a Disc Extrusion May Be Involved
Some common findings include:
- severe pain sitting
- sciatica into the calf or foot
- burning pain
- numbness or tingling
- weakness
- pain driving
- worsening symptoms bending forward
- recurrent flare-ups
- difficulty sleeping comfortably
These are common patterns Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC evaluates daily in patients dealing with severe disc injuries.
Why Some Patients Search for the DRX9000 Specifically
Many patients eventually discover that not all decompression systems are identical.
Differences may involve:
- machine quality
- pull consistency
- provider experience
- patient positioning
- treatment progression
- protocol customization
At our office, Dr. Boelk exclusively uses DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression Systems.
The office currently houses:
- 4 lumbar DRX9000 systems
- 3 cervical DRX9000 systems
making it one of the largest spinal decompression facilities in California.
Treatment protocols are individualized based on:
- symptom behavior
- MRI findings
- movement patterns
- disc involvement
- nerve irritation
- patient tolerance
Research involving spinal decompression has been associated with:
- Johns Hopkins University
- Stanford University
- Duke Medical Center
- Mayo Clinic
“The Pain Made Me Want to Cry”
“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.”
— Anthony K., San Diego, CA
Not Every Disc Extrusion Requires Surgery
Dr. Boelk strongly emphasizes that not every disc extrusion automatically requires surgery.
Some patients improve very well conservatively.
Others may require:
- injections
- surgical consultation
- additional imaging
- different forms of treatment
That is why proper evaluation matters.
“He Was Honest About My Situation”
“Very nice Dr. and honest! I would definitely recommend anyone who hasn't had metal put in their back from surgery to go to him and give his program a shot.
I believe it would definitely help. Just not in my personal case as I have a lot of hardware in my back.
But I’m glad I took the time to meet with him. It was very informative all around.”
— Toni W., Lake Elsinore, CA
Patients deserve honest recommendations based on what is most appropriate for their condition — not pressure to begin unnecessary treatment.
Why Active Rehabilitation Still Matters
Dr. Boelk strongly emphasizes that spinal decompression is only ONE component of treatment.
Long-term improvement often also requires:
- spinal stability
- posture improvement
- movement correction
- hip mobility
- strengthening
- active rehabilitation
This combined approach is designed to improve:
- symptom reduction
AND - long-term spinal function
Looking for Non-Surgical Disc Extrusion Treatment in San Diego?
If you continue struggling with severe sciatica or a disc extrusion despite previous treatment attempts, it may be worth determining whether conservative treatment may still be appropriate before considering injections or surgery.
Many patients who come to our office are simply looking for a better understanding of:
- what may actually be causing their symptoms
- whether disc pressure may be involved
- whether surgery is truly necessary
- what realistic treatment options may still exist
Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC has spent nearly 22 years helping patients with chronic low back pain, sciatica, and disc-related conditions using individualized Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression protocols combined with active rehabilitation and movement correction.
If appropriate, Dr. Boelk will explain:
- what he believes may be contributing to your symptoms
- whether additional evaluation or imaging may be necessary
- whether conservative treatment may be reasonable
- or whether another route may make more sense for your case
👉 The consultation is provided at no charge so patients can make informed decisions before moving forward.
📞 Call 619-298-0800 to schedule your consultation.
Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis due to the amount of time Dr. Boelk spends personally evaluating each case.
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
📍 5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
✅ 24/7 Live Answering Service
✅ Se Habla Español
✅ No-Charge Consultation
✅ 7 DRX9000 Spinal Decompression Systems
✅ Over 100,000 Spinal Decompression Treatments Performed