Disc Herniation Treatment Without Surgery – La Jolla, CA
If you live in La Jolla and have been diagnosed with a disc herniation, you may have already been told that medication, injections, or even surgery are your primary options.
In many cases, surgery is not the only solution.
When properly evaluated and treated at the structural level, many disc herniations can improve without invasive procedures.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, patients from La Jolla regularly travel just minutes inland to Kearny Mesa to see Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC — a Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic who has spent 21 years specializing in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and has performed over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments.
What Is a Disc Herniation?
Spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. A disc herniation occurs when the outer fibers of the disc weaken or tear, allowing the inner nucleus material to protrude outward.
When that material contacts or compresses a nerve, symptoms may include:
-
Low back pain
-
Sciatica (pain radiating into the leg)
-
Neck pain radiating into the shoulder or arm
-
Numbness or tingling
-
Weakness
-
Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or prolonged standing
The underlying issue is typically mechanical disc pressure on a nerve, not simply inflammation.
Reducing that pressure is key.
Why Many Treatments Provide Only Temporary Relief
In La Jolla and throughout San Diego, patients are often offered:
-
Anti-inflammatory medication
-
Steroid injections
-
Rest
-
Generalized traction
While these approaches may calm symptoms, they frequently do not reduce the internal disc pressure causing the nerve irritation.
If disc compression remains, symptoms often return.
A precise, targeted decompression approach is required.
DRX9000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
Dr. Boelk exclusively uses the DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression System, an FDA-cleared medical device designed to:
-
Create precise negative pressure within the disc
-
Encourage retraction of herniated disc material
-
Reduce nerve root compression
-
Improve oxygen and nutrient exchange
-
Support the body’s natural healing process
This is not basic traction. Treatment angles, calibrated tension, and protocol customization are critical for results.
With over 100,000 decompression treatments performed over 21 years, Dr. Boelk is one of the most experienced spinal decompression providers in California. The clinic houses seven DRX9000 machines in one location, making it the largest known provider of spinal decompression in the state.
Patients travel from La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom for evaluation and treatment.
Why Experience Matters
Not all disc herniations are appropriate for decompression. Proper case selection is essential.
Dr. Boelk personally evaluates:
-
MRI findings
-
Neurological examination results
-
Symptom patterns
-
Prior surgical history
Only patients who meet clinical criteria are accepted for treatment. This ensures care is appropriate, safe, and customized.
Active Rehabilitation for Long-Term Results
Spinal decompression reduces disc pressure, but long-term stability requires:
-
Core strengthening
-
Hip mobility correction
-
Postural re-education
-
Targeted stabilization exercises
As symptoms improve, patients transition into individualized corrective programs designed to prevent recurrence.
This integrated approach is critical for sustainable results.
⭐ Patient Testimonials
“For the first time in 10 years, I am totally pain free. My sciatica is gone and I have no more back pain! I've tried other chiropractic procedures, acupuncture, pain killing drugs, and other type therapies that just did not work. I was one step before back surgery, until I discovered Dr. Boelk's therapy and his procedure, and it's a miracle! My office visits were always so relaxing and comfortable, there was never any pain involved with the therapy. Dr. Boelk and Patty are so welcoming and warm and ready to explain everything that's going on. They both take such good care of you! Thank you Dr. Boelk and Patty!”
— Toni H., San Diego, CA
“I have been dealing with back pain for several years. It got so bad that I had surgery 5 years ago for a bulging disc. About 5 months ago 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. Thank you Dr Boelk!”
— Anthony K., San Diego, CA
“I decided to see Dr. Boelk after a pretty gnarly motocoss neck injury. At the Hospital I was at, I felt I was getting pressured into a surgery which I refused. A friend of a friend referred him after Dr. Boelk successfully treated his broken back. Dr. Boelk is a compassionate individual who truly cares about his patients. He looked at my MRI images, explained what he saw and potential routes for recovery. He could not treat me as I have to wait until the fracture in my neck heals, but the level of professionalism, compassion, caring and knowledge displayed by him was exceptional. He also recommended to seek an additional opinion form another neurosurgeon. My experience was that he really cares and he's not someone who would take advantage of the situation someone's in (unlike some other doctors). I will definitely be back and already recommended him to others as well! Thank you Dr. Boelk!”
— Jan H., San Marcos, CA
“I was having pain radiating down my legs — I couldn’t sleep or walk normally. After treatment, I’m back to shoveling snow, teaching, walking… I can live again. It was absolutely worth traveling from Alaska to see Dr. Boelk and his team!”
— Lynn C., Alaska
“I had really bad back problems to the point I couldn’t sleep, also had pain radiating along the sciatic nerve which ran down one leg from the lower back—caused by an accident. I came in and talked to Dr. Cassidy about my back problems. He evaluated me and mentioned I was a good candidate for this treatment. After the first 2 decompression sessions my sciatic pain was gone and we were able to work on the root of the problem. I did a total of 24 sessions, after which I was able to start rehabilitation training to strengthen my core. The office is super nice and the staff’s customer service is above and beyond. Back and neck issues are horrible to live with—trust me, I know firsthand. I gained weight, took pain killers, went into depression, and had major anxiety. I’m over it now—feeling better, walking, sleeping well, and starting to have a better social life as well. The experience for me has been nothing but excellent. Dr. Cassidy Boelk is hands down amazing—super glad I came here.”
— Abel T., San Diego, CA
At-Home Strategies for Disc Herniation Relief
While awaiting evaluation, La Jolla patients can begin with supportive measures:
-
Avoid prolonged sitting — stand and move every 30–45 minutes.
-
Use lumbar support when seated.
-
Walk daily to promote circulation.
-
Perform a gentle modified runner’s stretch to reduce hip flexor tension.
-
Prioritize consistent, quality sleep.
These strategies may reduce irritation but do not replace professional evaluation if symptoms persist.
Determining Cost and Candidacy
Because each disc herniation varies in severity and presentation, recommendations and cost must be individualized.
The first step is a no-charge consultation, which includes:
-
Comprehensive clinical evaluation
-
Review of MRI or imaging (if available)
-
Determination of whether you are accepted for treatment
-
Clear explanation of recommendations
This allows you to make an informed decision before beginning care.
Schedule Your Consultation
📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 Office (24/7 Live Answering Service): (619) 298-0800
📱 Text Line: (619) 884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
Calls to (619) 298-0800 are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by a live representative.
Consultations are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to high demand and the number of patients traveling from outside the area, availability is limited.
Early evaluation often leads to better outcomes.
About Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC
• Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
• California X-Ray Radiology Licensed Doctor
• Member, International Disc Education Association
• Founder, Spinal Decompression Training Academy
• Over 100,000 Spinal Decompression Treatments Performed
• Seven DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression Machines
• Largest Known Provider of Spinal Decompression in California
• 21 Years Specializing in Decompression Care
• Rated #1 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Office in San Diego