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Disc Extrusion Treatment in La Jolla, CA

Disc Extrusion Treatment in La Jolla, CA

Non-Surgical Relief With the DRX9000

Disc extrusions are one of the most painful and debilitating spinal conditions someone can experience. The sudden, sharp radiating pain, the difficulty standing upright, the burning or numbness traveling down a leg or an arm, and the inability to sleep or move comfortably can take over daily life. Many people in the La Jolla area search for long-term solutions only after traditional care — chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, massage, medications, or injections — fails to address the root cause.

True recovery requires reducing the pressure inside the damaged disc so it can rehydrate, heal, and stop irritating the nerve. That is the purpose of True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) using the FDA-cleared DRX9000, a system backed by research from Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Duke Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, and others.

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, patients from La Jolla receive this specialized, research-driven treatment under the supervision of Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC, a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor, Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, and founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy. Over the last 21 years, he has performed more than 75,000 spinal decompression treatments and uses seven DRX9000 machines — one of the largest collections in the country.


What Is a Disc Extrusion?

A disc extrusion occurs when the inner gel-like material inside a spinal disc pushes forcefully through the outer layer and compresses a spinal nerve. This can create:

Disc extrusions are more severe than bulges or protrusions and often do not improve with time alone.


Why Disc Extrusions Often Fail to Improve With Traditional Treatment

Spinal discs rely on hydration and nutrient exchange — not direct blood supply — to stay healthy. When a disc is extruded and compressed:

Treatments focused on muscle relaxation or joint mobility may offer temporary comfort, but the disc itself remains under pressure.


How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Helps a Disc Extrusion

True spinal decompression gently reduces pressure inside the disc through controlled pull-and-release cycles. The DRX9000 is designed to:

This technology is NOT traction or inversion therapy. It is a precise, individualized process controlled by advanced computer software and customized by Dr. Boelk for each patient’s disc level, symptoms, and tolerance.


Patient Experiences Throughout Care

Jayson Yavorsky

“There is not enough room to explain the relief Dr. Boelk has brought to me and my entire family. I found him after a year of sciatic pain. Couldn't play the sports I loved, no hockey, golf or surfing. The pain shooting from my hip to my left foot was to the point of unbearable. I had been visiting chiropractors since I was 18, temporary relief, but nothing consistent. Acupuncture helped a bit, physical therapy was unmanageable. I couldn't get a solid night sleep and didn't care to go on. But Then I met the Dr! I tell people regularly, he saved my life.

It was a regular routine of adjuments and excersises. A change of life patterns but 110% worth every effort. I have since had my wife, daughter, mother, father and multiple friends and clients visit Dr. Boelk. All thanking me for the referral. Last one was my firefighting friend that had horrible sciatica. He is now on the recovery train.

So without a doubt, if you are on the verge of surgery, don't do it until you give this Dr a chance to examine you 1st. He is honest, he will tell you if you are beyond repair.

I trust him with my life and my back. So should you!”

Summary:
This patient experienced a full year of severe sciatic pain with no lasting relief from multiple therapies. After beginning DRX9000 decompression and corrective care, he returned to the sports and activities that were previously impossible.


As disc extrusions begin to decompress and pressure on the nerve decreases, many patients notice improvements in sleep, mobility, and pain levels early in care — often within the first phase of treatment.

Edgar R

“Had terrible low back pain last year, had gone with a traditional chiropractor but didn’t feel it was doing much.
Went to this place and after talking to Dr Boelk decided to try spinal decompression therapy. After 3 session my pain was almost completely gone.
The staff is very professional and friendly. A big plus is how you get to go at your appointment time instead of waiting.
I would say the only negative is that is not covered by insurance so you have to pay out of pocket but it you can afford it is 100% worth it.”

Summary:
This patient struggled with persistent low back pain that did not respond to chiropractic care. After starting DRX9000 sessions, he experienced significant relief within days.


Disc extrusion patients often report that they feel “lighter,” “less compressed,” and more mobile as tension around the spine decreases. Many regain the ability to sit, stand, bend, and sleep without the sharp, grabbing pain caused by nerve compression.

Amanda

“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. It’s conveniently located near my work, which makes it easy to fit sessions into my lunch break. Dr. Boelk and the staff are incredibly friendly and polite—it’s always a pleasure to come in.

The environment is so relaxing that I look forward to each visit. I truly thank God for leading me to this alternative. It’s made such a difference in my life.”

Summary:
This patient was facing possible injections and surgery due to an L5 disc extrusion. After beginning decompression, she avoided both interventions and regained the ability to walk, exercise, and stand upright.


Some patients arrive after being told surgery is their only option. Others are trying to avoid repeat injections or worsening nerve symptoms. Many simply want a long-term solution instead of temporary relief.

Michael Langsdale

“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!”

Summary:
This patient tried other decompression systems without improvement. After receiving DRX9000 treatment, he experienced rapid relief, improved sleep, and regained normal function.


Why La Jolla Patients Choose Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC


What to Do Next

Early evaluation helps determine how severe the extrusion is and whether you qualify for DRX9000 treatment. Because every case is reviewed personally by Dr. Boelk, availability is limited.

1. Call 619-298-0800

Speak directly with the team to reserve your no-charge consultation.

2. Or text 619-884-8298

Often the fastest way to secure the next available spot.

3. Bring your MRI (if available)

If you don’t have imaging yet, Dr. Boelk will guide you on exactly what to obtain.

4. Meet personally with Dr. Boelk

He will determine whether your extrusion qualifies for non-surgical decompression.

5. Begin a customized program

Every protocol is tailored to the patient’s disc level, severity, and healing progression.


The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego

📍 5095 Murphy Canyon Rd, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 619-298-0800
📱 619-884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com

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