Do Herniated Discs Need Surgery? – Mira Mesa, CA

Your MRI shows a herniated disc in your lower back. You can still get through most of your day, but after twenty minutes in the car, the pain starts running down your leg. You’ve already changed how you sit, how you sleep, and how much you walk. Now you want to know whether the disc can get better on its own or whether it’s time to talk to a surgeon.

Many people with a lumbar herniated disc improve without surgery. The decision depends on how well the MRI finding matches your symptoms, what the exam shows about your strength and sensation, and whether you’re getting better over time. Persistent leg pain that limits everyday activities or a loss of strength can change the recommendation.

Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC, sees patients from Mira Mesa 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 evaluating disc-related neck and back conditions.

Start With a No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation

If you’re unsure what to do next, start with a conversation. Tell Dr. Boelk where the pain goes, what you’ve tried, and what you’re having trouble doing. If you have an MRI report or images, bring them along. If a surgeon has recommended a procedure, you can discuss what prompted that recommendation.

You can also ask how DRX9000 non-surgical spinal decompression works and whether further evaluation makes sense for you.

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

Patient Experience — When Back Pain Made It Hard to Get Out of Bed

Ming T. described having days when it was difficult to get out of bed and walks that were cut short when his back locked up. Here’s what he shared about his experience at the clinic.

“I came in with extreme back pain, resulting in days were it was difficult to get out of bed. There were moments where I would be walking and then my back would lock up. I thought it was something I have dealt with in the past but this last the entire month of July. I finally dedicated myself to finding the long term solution.

I came to Dr. Boelk unsure about the process, but after he identified exactly what my ailment was, I felt confident that this was the long term solution I was looking for.

I instantly felt better and Dr. Boelk kept encouraging me to trust the process and understand it will take time to feel 100%. I am now pain free and honestly feel stronger, even a little taller. I highly recommend you visit Dr. Boelk.”

— Ming T., San Diego, CA

What If Your MRI Says the Herniation Is Large?

The size matters, but so do where the herniation sits and what it’s affecting. A report may describe changes at L4–L5 and L5–S1. During the exam, the clinician looks at which leg hurts, where the symptoms travel, and whether strength, sensation, or reflexes have changed. Those details help determine which MRI finding fits what you’re experiencing.

If you’re reviewing the scan with your clinician, ask them to show you the finding they’re most concerned about and explain what they found on the exam that matches it. If you have both back pain and leg pain, ask which symptom the finding is most likely to explain.

Can You Keep Trying Nonsurgical Care If You Still Have Leg Pain?

If you’re walking farther, sleeping better, or getting through your commute with fewer interruptions, tell your clinician. Those changes help show how you’re doing between appointments. Symptoms can improve while a herniation is still visible on MRI.

If appropriate nonsurgical care hasn’t helped you get back to basic activities, a surgical opinion can help you weigh your options. Ask what the procedure is expected to improve, how soon you need to decide, and what the risks are if you wait.

New or worsening leg or foot weakness needs prompt medical evaluation. You might notice your foot slapping the ground, your toes catching on the stairs, or difficulty lifting the front of your foot. 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.

Where Does DRX9000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Fit?

DRX9000 spinal decompression is a form of mechanical traction. You lie supported on a specialized table while the computerized system applies controlled cycles of traction and relaxation.

Dr. Boelk may consider it for selected patients with disc-related lower back pain or sciatica. He reviews your medical history, examination findings, and relevant imaging before making a recommendation. Depending on the findings, the next step may be rehabilitation, further testing, or a specialist referral.

Learn more about DRX9000 spinal decompression.

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

Dr. Boelk has spent much of his career evaluating herniated discs, sciatica, and other disc-related conditions. Through the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, based at his Kearny Mesa practice, he also teaches other doctors about treatment protocols and patient selection.

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 age 16 and later experienced lumbar disc herniations and sciatica. He has spent thousands of hours rehabilitating his own injuries and helping patients with theirs. The Kearny Mesa practice welcomes patients from Mira Mesa and throughout San Diego County, as well as patients who travel from other states and countries for care.

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

A formal evaluation may include orthopedic and neurological testing to check your strength, sensation, and reflexes. When appropriate, Dr. Boelk may recommend standing, weight-bearing spinal X-rays, including flexion and extension views, to assess alignment and possible instability. MRI images can help clarify which disc or nerve may be involved.

Previous surgery, spinal hardware, and changes in nerve function can all affect the recommendation. If the findings point toward another type of care, Dr. Boelk explains what he found and why it matters.

Patient Experience — Getting a Straightforward Recommendation

Jeff J. traveled from Tucson and shared what he appreciated about getting a clear recommendation, even when it meant pursuing surgery.

“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

Can a herniated disc get better without surgery even if it still shows up on MRI?

Yes. Leg pain and daily function can improve even when the herniation remains visible. At follow-up, tell your clinician what you can do more comfortably and whether numbness or strength has changed.

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

Bring any records you have and describe what changed. For example, if you could drive longer after an injection but the numbness in your foot stayed the same, mention both. It helps to explain how long any improvement lasted.

Can I schedule a consultation with only the written MRI report?

Yes. Bring the report if you have it. If the imaging center has given you a disc or online access to the images, bring that as well.

Schedule Your No-Charge Consultation

If you live in Mira Mesa and want to understand your options for a herniated disc, call 619-298-0800 to schedule a complimentary, no-charge, no-obligation consultation with Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC. You can start by discussing what you’re feeling, what you’ve already tried, and whether further evaluation makes sense.

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