Do Herniated Discs Need Surgery? – Scripps Ranch, CA

You’ve had pain down your leg for weeks. You can get through a grocery trip, but standing in the checkout line brings it back. Then your MRI shows a herniated disc, and you’re left wondering whether you can give it more time or should see a surgeon.

Many people with a herniated disc in the lower back improve without surgery. Your clinician will look at whether the MRI finding matches your symptoms, how much those symptoms limit your day, and whether your strength and function are improving or getting worse. Persistent leg pain despite appropriate nonsurgical care or significant weakness can change the recommendation.

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego in Kearny Mesa, Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC, helps Scripps Ranch residents understand their imaging and explore their options. 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 unsure what to do about a herniated disc, you can start by talking with Dr. Boelk. Tell him what’s been happening, what you’ve already tried, and what you’re having trouble doing.

During the consultation, you can:

• Describe where the pain travels and whether you’ve noticed numbness, tingling, or weakness.

• Talk about what changed after physical therapy, injections, or other care.

• Bring any MRI reports or images you already have.

• Ask about DRX9000 nonsurgical spinal decompression and whether a formal evaluation would make sense.

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

Patient Experience — Looking for Options After Years of Back Pain

Calder Pearce had lived with lower back problems for more than five years. When he came in, he was walking with a limp and having trouble bending. Here’s what he shared about his experience.

“Dr. Boelk and his team are the best in the business! I have had lower back problems for over 5 years and been to 6 other doctors seeking options other than surgery. I came in early January not able to bend and walking with a limp. By February I was able to bend again with minimal pain and by March I am now able to bend without any pain and am able to walk normally. I am EXTREMELY happy I did not have surgery and found Dr. Boelk. Trust him and the process and he will get you feeling better. He also said from the beginning that if at any stage in the process he felt like progress wasn't happening he would let me know which was not the case with other specialist I have seen in the past so I appreciate that.”

— Calder Pearce, Patient Review

Can a Herniated Disc Get Better Without Surgery?

Yes. Many people notice that leg pain eases and daily activities become easier over time. You might be able to sit through a meal again or finish your usual walk before symptoms start. Share those changes at follow-up, along with any changes in numbness or strength. Symptoms can improve even while a herniation remains visible on an MRI.

If you’ve already tried treatment, describe what it helped you do and for how long. “I could drive longer for about a week after the injection, but my foot still felt weak” gives your clinician more to work with than “the injection helped a little.”

What Does Your MRI Tell You?

An MRI can show where a disc has herniated and how close it is to a nerve. If the report lists changes at several levels, your clinician looks at which finding fits the side of your symptoms, where the pain or numbness travels, and what the exam shows about strength, sensation, and reflexes.

For example, a report might describe changes at both L4–L5 and L5–S1. If your symptoms mostly affect your right calf and foot, ask your clinician to show you which finding fits that pattern and what they found on your exam that supports it.

When Should You See a Spine Surgeon?

A surgical opinion may be appropriate when leg pain still interferes with walking, sleep, or work despite appropriate nonsurgical care. If you’ve already been advised to have surgery, ask which symptom the procedure is expected to improve and how soon you need to decide. If you have both back pain and leg pain, ask what to expect for each.

New or worsening leg or foot weakness needs prompt medical evaluation. You might notice your toes catching on the stairs or your foot slapping the ground when you walk. Report that change even if your 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 Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression Fit?

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

Dr. Boelk may consider it for selected patients with disc-related back pain or sciatica. His recommendation depends on your medical history, physical examination, and relevant imaging. Some patients are better served by 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 people with herniated discs, sciatica, and other disc-related conditions. He also trains doctors in spinal decompression protocols and patient selection through the Spinal Decompression Training Academy 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 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.

Patient Experience — Traveling From El Centro for Care

The Kearny Mesa office welcomes patients from Scripps Ranch 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. Mercedes Bautista shared what it was like to travel from El Centro for care.

“Hi my name is Mercedes Bautista. I found out about this treatment on the internet and I came because I was searching for a doctor for my friend. I have always had low back problems, so Dr. Boelk suggested that I have an MRI done. I decided to go ahead and do it and what I found out was astonishing. Dr. Boelk told me I had a bulging disc and that my discs were dehydrated. I went home very surprised and even scared.

That night with my husband I cried. My husband and I both talked about it and decided that the finances were worth getting my back fixed. The next thing we had to figure out was how I was going to get here, because I live in El Centro.

So we decided we were going to rent a car and I travel here 4 times a week. The girls here are wonderful and very awesome. They make you feel like family, it’s an extremely relaxing environment. I feel better and I have recommended this treatment to my family and friends. Thank You!”

— Mercedes Bautista, El Centro, CA

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. He considers MRI findings when they help clarify which disc or nerve may be involved.

Your surgical history also matters. For example, a prior fusion with hardware can affect whether decompression is appropriate. If the findings point toward further testing or a specialist referral, Dr. Boelk explains what led to that recommendation.

Patient Experience — Getting an Answer After Prior Back Surgery

“Very nice Dr. and Honest ! I would definitely recommend anyone who hasn't had metal put in there back in a surgery to go to him and give his program a shot. I believe it would definitely help. Just not in my personal case. As I have a lot of hardware in my back. But I'm glad I took the time to meet with him. It was very informative all around.”

— Toni W., Lake Elsinore, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a large herniated disc always need surgery?

Size is one consideration. Your clinician also looks at the location of the herniation, which symptoms it explains, and whether your strength or ability to get around is changing.

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

Yes. Bring the report and any notes from prior visits. If the imaging center has given you a disc or a way to access the images, bring that too.

What should I ask if surgery has already been recommended?

Ask what the surgeon found on your exam, which symptoms the procedure is expected to improve, and what the risks are if you wait. Those answers help you understand how much time you have to weigh your options.

Schedule Your No-Charge Consultation

If you live in Scripps Ranch 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. Bring your MRI if you have it and tell him what’s changed in your day. You can talk through your options before deciding on a next step.

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