Does Spinal Decompression Help a Herniated Disc? | San Diego, CA

If your MRI says you have a herniated disc, disc protrusion or even an extrusion, it can sound a lot worse than “back pain.”

Then you start reading the report.

L4-L5. L5-S1. Nerve root compression. Foraminal narrowing. Maybe your doctor starts talking about an epidural or sends you for a surgical consultation.

So where does Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression fit into all of this?

For the right patient, it may be an option.

Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC has focused on Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression for more than 22 years and has performed more than 100,000 spinal decompression treatments. Herniated discs and the sciatica that can come with them are some of the most common problems he evaluates.

But there is something important to understand right from the beginning:

Not every herniated disc needs spinal decompression, and not every patient with a herniated disc is a candidate.

Dr. Boelk wants to see the MRI. He wants to know where your symptoms are going. He wants to know whether you're getting numbness or weakness and what you've already tried.

Then he decides whether spinal decompression makes sense.

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

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I Learned I Had an Extruded Disc Pressing on My L5 Nerve”

“I was so hunched over that I had to use a cane just to move forward.”

“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 an extruded disc pressing on the L5 nerve. She was already scheduled to discuss injections and surgery when she found the office.

What stands out about her story is how much the problem had affected her life. Walking and standing were extremely difficult, she was using a cane and she had stopped exercising.

Later, she was walking, exercising and lifting weights again.

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Have a Herniated Disc? Bring Your MRI in for a No-Charge Consultation.

If you've already had an MRI, bring the actual images with you—not just the written report.

Dr. Boelk will personally sit down with you and take a look.

The purpose isn't to convince you to start spinal decompression.

It's to answer a much simpler question:

Does Dr. Boelk think he may be able to help you?

During the consultation he'll look at:

• Where the disc is herniated.

• Whether it's a protrusion, extrusion or another type of disc injury.

• Whether a nerve appears to be affected.

• 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 positions make things better or worse.

• What treatment you've already tried.

• Whether your MRI findings actually fit your symptoms.

• Whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may be appropriate.

• Whether there's a reason Dr. Boelk would not recommend decompression.

No MRI yet? That's okay.

Dr. Boelk can still listen to what's going on and discuss whether an examination or additional imaging may be appropriate.

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

And being evaluated does not mean you'll automatically be accepted for spinal decompression.

Dr. Boelk performs 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 of No-Charge Consultation appointments.

Call 619-298-0800 and ask about the next available appointment with Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC.

Live 24/7 Answering Service • Hablamos Español

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A Herniated Disc Doesn't Always Feel Like Back Pain

This surprises people.

They come in saying, “My back actually isn't that bad. It's my leg.”

That can absolutely happen with a lumbar disc herniation.

If the disc is affecting a nerve, you may feel symptoms in the buttock, thigh, calf or foot. There may be burning, tingling, numbness or an electric-type pain.

Some patients have trouble sitting.

Others can sit comfortably but develop leg pain or numbness when they stand and walk.

Dr. Boelk wants to know exactly where the symptoms start and where they go.

That's often much more useful than simply saying your pain is an 8 out of 10.

What Is Spinal Decompression Trying to Do?

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

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression uses controlled distraction of the spine. The goal is to reduce mechanical stress at the involved spinal segment and create a more favorable environment around the disc and surrounding structures.

It's not simply stretching your back.

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

That's not a responsible way to explain it.

The research on traction for lumbar disc herniation has shown potential improvements in pain and function, particularly in the short term, but there isn't good evidence that traction reliably reduces the physical size of a herniated disc.

For Dr. Boelk, the more important question is what happens to the patient.

Is the Leg Pain Changing?

This is something Dr. Boelk pays close attention to.

Suppose you start with pain running from your back into your buttock, down your calf and into your foot.

Later, the foot pain is gone.

Then the calf starts feeling better.

Now most of the discomfort is closer to your back and buttock.

That's a very different situation from someone whose symptoms are moving farther down the leg and becoming more intense.

Dr. Boelk doesn't just ask, “What's your pain today from 1 to 10?”

He wants to know where it is.

What About Numbness?

Numbness deserves attention too.

Maybe your heel feels strange.

Maybe two toes are numb.

Maybe part of your calf doesn't feel normal.

Those symptoms can help Dr. Boelk determine which nerve may be involved and whether that matches the MRI.

He'll also ask whether the numbness is constant or intermittent and whether it's changing.

Weakness is even more important.

If you're beginning to lose strength in the leg or foot, that's something Dr. Boelk wants to know about right away.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “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.

Getting back to those things is the type of progress Dr. Boelk wants patients paying attention to.

Does a Herniated Disc Mean You're Headed for Surgery?

No.

A herniated disc by itself does not automatically mean surgery.

Many lumbar disc-herniation patients are initially managed non-surgically, depending on their symptoms and neurological findings.

There are also situations where waiting around trying one conservative treatment after another doesn't make sense.

Progressively worsening neurological weakness is one of them.

New bowel or bladder dysfunction, difficulty initiating or controlling urination, or numbness involving the groin, inner thighs or saddle region requires prompt medical evaluation.

Dr. Boelk doesn't want those patients waiting for a routine spinal decompression appointment.

What If You've Already Tried Physical Therapy or an Epidural?

Bring that information with you.

Dr. Boelk wants to know what happened.

Maybe physical therapy made you stronger but didn't change the pain going down your leg.

Maybe an epidural gave you substantial relief for several months and then the symptoms gradually returned.

Maybe nothing helped.

Or maybe something actually made you worse.

All of that helps Dr. Boelk understand the case.

You're not starting over every time you see a new doctor. What you've already tried is useful information.

Who May Be a Candidate for Spinal Decompression?

Dr. Boelk commonly evaluates patients with:

• Lumbar disc herniations.

• Disc protrusions.

• Selected disc extrusions.

• L4-L5 disc injuries.

• L5-S1 disc injuries.

• Disc-related sciatica.

• Degenerative disc disease.

• Foraminal narrowing.

• Certain cases of spinal stenosis.

But the MRI diagnosis is only part of determining candidacy.

Dr. Boelk also considers spinal stability, previous surgery, hardware, bone health, neurological findings and other medical factors.

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★ Sometimes the Consultation Ends Without Treatment

This matters.

If every person who walked into a spinal decompression office was told they were a perfect candidate, Dr. Boelk would consider that a problem.

“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 situation, he and Dr. Boelk determined that surgery was appropriate.

He wasn't sold a treatment plan anyway.

That's the point of determining candidacy before treatment begins.

There Are Other Reasons Dr. Boelk May Say No

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.

There are also patients who simply don't have a problem that Dr. Boelk believes spinal decompression is likely to help.

That's okay.

A useful consultation doesn't have to end with treatment.

More Than 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 understands spinal injuries personally. He suffered an L5 compression fracture at age 16 and later dealt with disc injuries and sciatica.

If Your MRI Says Herniated Disc, What's Your Next Step?

Don't make the decision based only on how bad the MRI report sounds.

And don't assume spinal decompression is automatically the answer either.

Bring the MRI in.

Let Dr. Boelk look at the actual images and compare them with what you're experiencing.

Where does the pain go?

Are you numb?

Are you losing strength?

How long can you sit or walk?

What have you already tried?

What have you stopped doing because of the problem?

Then find out whether Dr. Boelk believes you're a candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.

No-Charge Consultation With Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC

No charge. No obligation. And if Dr. Boelk doesn't believe spinal decompression is appropriate for you, he'll tell you.

Dr. Boelk personally performs these consultations while continuing to care for his existing patients, so the office can only set aside a limited number each week.

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

Live 24/7 Answering Service • Hablamos Español

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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