Do Herniated Discs Need Surgery? – Carmel Valley, CA

Your MRI shows a herniated disc in your lower back. Maybe the pain runs down your leg every time you sit in the car, or you’ve started cutting walks short because your calf starts burning. You finally have a name for what might be causing it. Now you want to know what to do about it.

Many people with a herniated disc in the lower back improve without surgery. What matters is whether the herniation matches your symptoms, what the examination shows about nerve function, and whether you’re getting better or losing strength. An MRI helps answer those questions when it’s reviewed alongside your symptoms and exam.

Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC, helps Carmel Valley residents understand their findings and explore their options at The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego in Kearny Mesa. He is a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist with more than 22 years of clinical experience.

Start With a No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation

If you’re wondering what to do next about a herniated disc, start with a conversation. You can tell Dr. Boelk where the pain travels, what you’ve already tried, and what you’d like to get back to doing comfortably.

If you have an MRI report or images, bring them. If surgery has already been recommended, bring any notes from that visit so you can discuss what prompted the recommendation. You can also ask how DRX9000 non-surgical spinal decompression works and whether a formal evaluation would make sense for you.

Call 619-298-0800 to schedule a complimentary, no-charge, no-obligation consultation.

Patient Experience — When Sciatica Was Interrupting Sleep

Abel T. came to the practice after an accident left him with lower back pain and pain traveling down his leg. In his review, he describes how the symptoms affected his sleep and daily life.

“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

Can a Herniated Disc Get Better Without Surgery?

Yes. Leg pain and daily function can improve over time even while a herniation remains visible on MRI. If you can sit through dinner again or walk farther before the pain starts, mention those changes at your next visit. They help your clinician assess how you’re progressing alongside any changes in strength or sensation.

If your report describes several disc problems, ask your clinician to show you which finding matches the side and location of your symptoms. For example, pain in your right calf and trouble lifting your right foot give your clinician specific findings to check against the scan. A report that uses words like “large” or “severe” still needs to be interpreted in the context of your examination.

When Should You See a Spine Surgeon?

A surgical opinion may make sense if leg pain keeps you from walking, working, or sleeping despite appropriate nonsurgical care. If surgery has already been recommended, ask which symptom the procedure is intended to improve and how soon you need to decide. If you have both back pain and leg pain, ask about each separately.

New or worsening leg or foot weakness needs prompt medical evaluation. That can look like catching your toes on the stairs, having trouble lifting the front of your foot, or hearing your foot slap the ground when you walk. Report those changes even if the pain has eased.

New difficulty urinating, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin or saddle area requires emergency evaluation.

What Is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?

Non-surgical spinal decompression is a form of mechanical traction. At Dr. Boelk’s clinic, you lie supported on a specialized table while a computerized DRX9000 system applies controlled cycles of traction and relaxation.

Dr. Boelk considers it for selected patients with disc-related back or leg symptoms. The decision starts with your history, examination, and relevant imaging. Those findings may point toward rehabilitation, further testing, or a referral. You can read more about how the equipment works on the clinic’s DRX9000 spinal decompression page.

Why Choose Dr. Boelk, DC, for Spinal Decompression?

Dr. Boelk has spent much of his career evaluating herniated discs, sciatica, and other disc-related neck and back conditions. He also trains other doctors in spinal decompression protocols and patient selection through the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, based at his Kearny Mesa practice.

His credentials and experience include:

• Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic

• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor

• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist

• More than 22 years of clinical experience

• More than 100,000 spinal decompression sessions performed or overseen

• Founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy

• Founding Member of the American Spinal Decompression Society

• Member of the International Disc Education Association

• California X-ray Radiology Licensed Doctor

• Seven dedicated DRX9000 systems, including four lumbar and three cervical units

Dr. Boelk fractured his lower back at 16 and later experienced lumbar disc herniations and sciatica. He has spent thousands of hours rehabilitating his own injuries and helping patients with theirs.

Patients Travel to the Kearny Mesa Office for Specialized Care

The practice welcomes patients from Carmel Valley and throughout San Diego County. Some patients travel from farther away, including other states and countries such as Mexico, Canada, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Patient Experience — Lisa S., United Kingdom

“I travel from the UK to see Dr Boelk and his wonderful team . I have 3 bulging disc and one is touching the nerve. I have the spinal decompression treatment and it really helps keep me in my active life . I will not go to anyone else for back treatment, this place is number one and they genuinely care about their patients.”

— Lisa S., United Kingdom

How Does Dr. Boelk Determine Whether You’re a Candidate?

A formal evaluation may include orthopedic and neurological testing. Dr. Boelk considers where your symptoms travel and checks for changes in strength, sensation, or reflexes. He reviews MRI findings when they can help explain what’s happening. When appropriate, he may recommend standing, weight-bearing spinal X-rays, including flexion and extension views, to assess alignment and possible instability.

Your surgical history matters too. For example, spinal hardware after a fusion can affect whether decompression is appropriate. If your evaluation points toward another type of care or a specialist opinion, Dr. Boelk will explain why.

Patient Experience — Getting a Straight Answer About the Next Step

“I found this terrific practice on social media. I followed up and did my own research so I decided to pay them a visit. The place is clean, well organized and run by a very efficient receptionist. I met with the doctor and after a honest and forthright conversation, we both determined that surgery was my only option to correct my back issues. I will return as a customer when the time is right.”

— Jeff J., Tucson, AZ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a large herniated disc mean I need surgery?

Size is one consideration. Your clinician also looks at where the herniation is, whether it matches the symptoms, and whether your strength or daily function is changing.

What if I’ve already tried physical therapy or injections?

Bring a short description of what changed and how long it lasted. For example, if an injection helped you sit longer but the numbness in your foot stayed the same, mention both. That gives Dr. Boelk a clearer starting point for the conversation.

Can I schedule a consultation if I only have the MRI report?

Yes. Bring the report if you have it. If your imaging center has given you access to the actual images, you can bring those as well.

Schedule Your No-Charge Consultation

If you live in Carmel Valley and have questions about a herniated disc, call 619-298-0800 to schedule a complimentary, no-charge, no-obligation consultation with Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC. Start with what you’re feeling and what you’ve already tried. Dr. Boelk can explain what may be worth looking at next.

The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
Office phone 619-298-0800
Website www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
Email frontdesk@sandiegobackcare.com
24/7 telephone answering available • Hablamos Español