Does Spinal Decompression Help a Bulging Disc? | Clairemont, CA

If your MRI says you have a bulging disc, the first thing to understand is that the MRI is only part of the story.

Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC has seen patients with a relatively small disc bulge who are absolutely miserable. Their leg burns, they can't sit, they're waking up at night or they can barely put their shoes on.

He's also seen people with multiple bulging discs who are doing pretty well.

So yes, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may help certain bulging discs. But after more than 22 years doing this, Dr. Boelk doesn't make that decision from one sentence on an MRI report.

He wants to see the images. He wants to know where you hurt. He wants to know what happens when you sit, stand and walk, and whether the symptoms stay in your back or travel into the buttock, leg or foot.

Then he can start putting the pieces together.

Dr. Boelk has performed more than 100,000 spinal decompression treatments. His San Diego clinic has seven DRX9000 systems and is the largest known Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression clinic in Southern California. He also trains other doctors in spinal decompression protocols and techniques.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I Was So Hunched Over That I Had to Use a Cane”

“Now, I’m walking regularly, standing up straight—something I couldn’t do before.”

“Last year, I spent three months constantly going back and forth between doctor’s appointments and urgent care. The pain was unbearable—I was taking medication regularly just to get through the day. Getting out of bed was excruciating, and walking or standing felt like torture. Every step filled me with dread.

In December, my doctor finally ordered an MRI. That’s when I learned I had an extruded disc pressing on my L5 nerve, which affects the leg and foot. My doctor scheduled two follow-up appointments: one for pain management (spinal injections), and another to evaluate me for surgery.

Then I discovered spinal decompression therapy. I was thrilled to find a non-invasive alternative. I never ended up needing either of those appointments.

Now, I’m walking regularly, standing up straight—something I couldn’t do before. When I first sought help, I was so hunched over that I had to use a cane just to move forward. Because of the pain, I hadn’t exercised in months. But now, I’m doing a program called 75 hard which requires not one but 2 45-minute workouts per day, and I've even gotten back to lifting weights!

I’m so thankful I found this place. It’s conveniently located near my work, which makes it easy to fit sessions into my lunch break. Dr. Boelk and the staff are incredibly friendly and polite—it’s always a pleasure to come in.

The environment is so relaxing that I look forward to each visit. I truly thank God for leading me to this alternative. It’s made such a difference in my life.”

— Amanda, San Diego, CA

Amanda's MRI showed more than a simple bulge—she had an extruded disc pressing on the L5 nerve. Her doctors were already discussing injections and a surgical evaluation.

What stands out in her review isn't just that she felt better. She went from using a cane and dreading every step to walking, exercising and lifting weights again.

That's the kind of change Dr. Boelk wants to see.

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Have an MRI Showing a Bulging Disc? Bring It In — The Consultation Is No Charge.

You don't have to decide whether you want spinal decompression before you come in.

That's backwards.

First, find out whether Dr. Boelk thinks you're even a candidate.

If you have an MRI, bring the actual images along with the report. Dr. Boelk will personally review them with you and compare what he sees with what's actually happening in your back or leg.

During the consultation he'll look at things such as:

• Which disc or discs are involved.

• Whether the bulge is near or affecting a nerve.

• Where your pain travels.

• Whether you're experiencing numbness or tingling.

• Whether you've noticed weakness.

• How long you can sit, stand or walk comfortably.

• What makes the symptoms worse.

• What gives you relief.

• What treatment you've already tried.

• Whether your symptoms and MRI findings make sense together.

• Whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may be appropriate.

• Whether there's a reason you should not have decompression.

No MRI yet? That's okay. You can still come in and explain what's going on. Dr. Boelk can discuss whether further examination or imaging may be appropriate.

The consultation is personally performed by Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC. There is no charge and no obligation to start treatment.

You're simply getting an experienced opinion.

And if Dr. Boelk doesn't believe spinal decompression is right for you, he'll tell you.

Dr. Boelk does these consultations while also treating his existing patients throughout the week. Because of the time involved, the office can only set aside a limited number in the schedule.

Call 619-298-0800 and ask about the next available No-Charge Consultation.

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What Does a Bulging Disc Actually Feel Like?

There's no single answer.

Some patients mostly have lower-back pain.

Others describe an ache in the buttock that won't go away. Another person gets burning down the thigh or calf. Someone else says their toes feel numb.

A disc problem can also behave differently depending on what you're doing.

You might feel pretty good first thing in the morning but hurt after sitting at your desk for several hours.

Or sitting might actually feel fine, while standing and walking bring on the leg symptoms.

Some people feel good enough to exercise but pay for it later that evening or the next morning.

These details help Dr. Boelk determine whether the disc seen on the MRI could actually be part of the problem.

What Is the DRX9000 Trying to Do?

The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego uses the DRX9000 exclusively.

The treatment provides controlled spinal distraction. The goal is to reduce mechanical stress at the involved spinal segment and create a more favorable environment around the disc and surrounding structures.

Dr. Boelk doesn't tell patients that the machine simply “sucks the disc back in.”

That's too simplistic.

He also doesn't consider spinal decompression the same thing as stretching your back, hanging from a bar or using an inversion table.

There is a specific treatment protocol, and Dr. Boelk believes patient selection is one of the biggest factors in whether spinal decompression makes sense in the first place.

What If My MRI Shows Several Bulging Discs?

That's very common.

You might have changes at L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5-S1.

It doesn't mean all three levels are causing your symptoms.

Suppose your biggest problem is pain and numbness traveling down one leg. Dr. Boelk will look at which MRI finding makes the most sense with that particular pattern.

Sometimes the level that sounds worst in the written report isn't necessarily the finding that best explains what the patient is experiencing.

This is one reason Dr. Boelk prefers looking at the actual MRI images whenever they're available.

Is a Bulging Disc the Same as a Herniated Disc?

Not exactly.

A bulge generally involves a broader extension of the disc beyond its normal boundary. A herniation tends to describe a more focal displacement of disc material.

But patients can get too hung up on the terminology.

Dr. Boelk is much more interested in whether the disc is affecting surrounding structures and whether the imaging matches your symptoms.

A relatively unimpressive-looking disc problem in the wrong location can cause significant symptoms.

A worse-looking MRI doesn't always mean a worse patient.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I Could Get Back to Surf, Jiu Jitsu and Work”

“After 36 sessions I felt I was back to normal.”

“When I first came here I was suffering from sciatica pain for several months non stop. I tried many different non invasive treatments, pain killers but relief was just temporary. I heard about Dr. Boelk on social media and after reading other people testimonials about him I decided to try. It felt better since my first session. After 12 I felt I was improving a lot but still had room to get better so we decided trying 12 more. After 36 sessions I felt I was back to normal. I could get back to surf, jiu jitsu and work after 6 months away. Doctor helped me through the whole process, leaving me free to decide the next step and being honest about expectations. I totally recommend for all my friends that suffer from sciatica pain. It’s worth 100%.”

— Yuri Fresia

Yuri had been away from surfing, jiu jitsu and work for six months. His review also mentions something Dr. Boelk considers important: each next step was discussed rather than assuming treatment would simply continue.

Don't Only Measure Your Back by How Much It Hurts Today

Pain can change from day to day.

Function often tells Dr. Boelk more.

Six months ago, maybe you could walk for 45 minutes. Now your leg starts going numb after 10.

You used to drive to Los Angeles without thinking about your back. Now you're looking for somewhere to stop halfway there.

You still tell people your back is “not that bad,” but you haven't golfed in three months and you've stopped going to the gym.

Those changes count.

If treatment is helping, Dr. Boelk wants to see some of those things moving in the other direction.

Who Does Dr. Boelk Evaluate for Spinal Decompression?

He commonly sees patients with:

• Lumbar disc bulges and herniations.

• L4-L5 and L5-S1 disc injuries.

• Disc-related sciatica.

• Degenerative disc disease.

• Foraminal narrowing.

• Selected cases of spinal stenosis.

• Certain cases of chronic disc-related lower-back pain.

Some have been hurting for a few weeks.

Others have dealt with the problem for years.

Some haven't tried much treatment yet. Others have already been through physical therapy, chiropractic care, medications or epidural injections.

There isn't one path that everybody follows.

And there are definitely patients Dr. Boelk will not treat.

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★ A Patient Dr. Boelk Did Not Accept for Spinal Decompression

“After a honest and forthright conversation, we both determined that surgery was my only option.”

“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

Jeff traveled from Tucson hoping there might be another option. After reviewing his case, he and Dr. Boelk determined that surgery was appropriate.

No decompression package.

No trying a few treatments “just to see.”

Sometimes the consultation ends with Dr. Boelk telling the patient that his treatment isn't the right treatment.

That's part of doing this responsibly.

When Spinal Decompression May Not Be Appropriate

An unhealed spinal fracture, significant osteoporosis, unstable spondylolisthesis, certain malignancies and some situations involving surgical hardware can make spinal decompression inappropriate. Pregnancy is also a contraindication for lumbar decompression.

Dr. Boelk also takes neurological changes seriously.

Progressively worsening weakness should be evaluated.

New bowel or bladder dysfunction, difficulty initiating or controlling urination, or numbness involving the groin, inner thighs or saddle region requires prompt medical evaluation rather than waiting for a routine spinal decompression consultation.

22+ Years Focused on Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC has performed more than 100,000 spinal decompression treatments.

His professional background includes:

• Doctor of Chiropractic

• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor

• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist (PPSC)

• Founder, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy

• Trains other doctors in spinal decompression protocols and techniques

• Founding Member, American Spinal Decompression Society

• Member, International Disc Education Association

• California X-Ray Radiation Supervisor & Operator

Dr. Boelk also has his own history with spinal injury. He suffered an L5 compression fracture at age 16 and later dealt with disc injuries and sciatica.

Have a Bulging Disc and Want a Straight Answer?

Bring the MRI.

Let Dr. Boelk look at the actual images and compare them with what's happening to you.

Where does it hurt?

Where does the numbness travel?

How long can you sit or walk?

What have you stopped doing because of your back?

What have you already tried?

Those answers, together with the imaging, give Dr. Boelk a much better picture than the words “bulging disc” by themselves.

Then he can tell you whether he believes Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is worth considering.

No charge. No obligation. And being evaluated does not mean you will automatically be accepted for treatment.

Dr. Boelk personally performs these consultations, so only a limited number can be worked into the clinic schedule each week.

Call 619-298-0800 and ask about the next available No-Charge Consultation with Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC.

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

619-298-0800
SanDiegoBackCare.com

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