Disc Herniation Treatment Options in San Diego, CA – Why Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) Stands Out

If you've been diagnosed with a herniated disc or are dealing with symptoms like shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your back, legs, arms, or neck, you're not alone. Disc herniations affect thousands of San Diego residents every year and are one of the leading causes of chronic pain and disability.

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC—a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist—has helped thousands of patients avoid surgery and regain their active lifestyles through Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) combined with custom active therapy plans.

Here’s what you need to know about your options—and why so many patients drive and fly in from out of town to seek Dr. Boelk’s care.

Common Treatment Options for Disc Herniation

There are several approaches to treating herniated discs. Each has pros and cons, and understanding the differences can help you make the best decision for your long-term health.

1. Medications & Injections

• What it is: Anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, opioids, or epidural steroid injections.

• Pros: May temporarily reduce inflammation and pain.

• Cons: These do not address the root cause of the disc herniation—only the symptoms. Results are often short-lived, and repeated injections can weaken surrounding tissue.

2. Physical Therapy

• What it is: Exercise-based rehabilitation aimed at strengthening and improving mobility.

• Pros: Can be very beneficial when pain levels are manageable and the underlying disc compression has been relieved.

• Cons: When used alone, especially during the acute or severe phase of a herniation, it may not be enough to decompress the disc or relieve nerve pressure.

3. Surgery

• What it is: Procedures such as discectomy, laminectomy, or spinal fusion.

• Pros: May provide relief in extreme cases or when all other methods fail.

• Cons: Invasive, costly, and carries significant risks including infection, nerve damage, failed surgery syndrome, and long recovery times.

4. Inversion Tables and Traction

• What it is: General stretching of the spine using body weight or pulleys.

• Pros: May provide temporary relief or mild decompression.

• Cons: Lacks the precision and targeted force necessary to create true disc retraction and rehydration. Not recommended for significant or advanced disc herniations.

5. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) Using the DRX9000

This is where Dr. Boelk’s approach truly excels. Unlike basic traction or generic rehab, NSSD using the DRX9000 system targets the exact disc causing your symptoms and creates the necessary negative pressure to retract herniated disc material and allow healing.

How It Works:

• The DRX9000 gently and precisely separates the vertebrae to reduce pressure on the disc.

• This creates a vacuum-like effect that pulls the herniated or bulging disc material back into place.

• Over time, the disc rehydrates and the nerve inflammation decreases—naturally and safely.

This technology is FDA-cleared and supported by research from top institutions including Stanford University, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, and Duke Medical Center.

Why Dr. Boelk’s NSSD Programs Work So Well

While NSSD is a powerful tool, success depends heavily on how it's performed. This is where Dr. Boelk separates himself from other providers:

• ✅ Individualized treatment protocols based on orthopedic testing, spinal imaging, and patient goals.

• ✅ Customized machine settings for each patient (no one-size-fits-all programs).

• ✅ Combination of passive and active therapy—including functional rehab to strengthen the spine and prevent re-injury.

• ✅ Over 65,000 spinal decompression treatments performed with over 21 years of experience.

• ✅ 7 DRX9000 machines on-site, making our clinic the largest provider in California.

Dr. Boelk is also the founder of the Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he trains doctors from across the U.S. on how to properly deliver these life-changing results.

Why So Many People Travel to See Dr. Boelk

Patients don’t just come from San Diego—they fly and drive in from:

• Arizona, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, Alaska

• Mexico, Spain, the UK, and more

They come because they’ve tried everything else and are looking for a real solution—without surgery, drugs, or endless trial-and-error.

Real Patient Feedback

"Dr. Boelk & his staff are by far the BEST at spinal decompression. I walked into his office unable to sit to do my job, and within a couple of weeks, he helped me with being able to sit again. His attention to you & the way he will make you feel is unparalleled."
— Erin T., San Diego, CASoTellUs+4San Diego Back Care+4San Diego Back Care+4

 

"I was referred to Dr. Boelk after struggling with chronic lower back pain for years. The spinal decompression treatments were life-changing. Within weeks, I felt like myself again."
— Jessica C., San Diego, CASan Diego Back Care

 

"Dr. Boelk is thorough, technical, and explains everything so well. Excellent bedside manner, and the staff is incredibly nice. The decompression treatment worked wonders—I no longer have neck pain!"
— Andre G., San Diego, CASan Diego Back Care

 

"I found out about Dr. Boelk on the internet while searching for a doctor for my friend. I’ve always had back issues, so I decided to have an MRI. Dr. Boelk discovered I had a bulging disc and dehydrated discs. At first, I was scared, but my husband and I decided the investment in my health was worth it. I now travel from El Centro four times a week because of the amazing results. The staff makes you feel like family. I feel better and have recommended this treatment to my family and friends. Thank you!"
— Mercedes Bautista, El Centro, CASan Diego Back Care

 

 

Get Help Today – No-Charge Consultations Available

If you're dealing with a herniated disc, the first step is determining if you're a candidate for NSSD. Not everyone qualifies, and that’s why Dr. Boelk offers a no-charge consultation to evaluate your case.

📍 Clinic Location:
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92123

📞 Call Today to Schedule Your Consultation
Office Phone: 619-298-0800
Office Cell: 619-884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com

Why Choose Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC?

• Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic

• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor

• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist

• 65,000+ spinal decompression treatments performed

• Trains doctors nationwide in NSSD protocols

• Patients from across the U.S. and internationally

• Largest Known DRX9000 provider in California

Don’t wait until your herniated disc becomes a surgical case. Get the answers—and the relief—you deserve.
Call today and find out if NSSD is right for you.