FORAMINAL STENOSIS TREATMENT WITHOUT SURGERY IN SAN DIEGO, CA
Understanding Foraminal Stenosis, Sciatica, Numbness, Tingling & Non-Surgical Treatment Options
If you've recently reviewed your MRI report and noticed the words:
✔ Foraminal Stenosis
✔ Neural Foraminal Narrowing
✔ Foraminal Encroachment
✔ Nerve Root Compression
you may be wondering:
"What does this actually mean?"
More importantly:
"Can it be treated without surgery?"
Many patients are surprised to learn that foraminal stenosis is one of the most common findings Dr. Cassidy Boelk evaluates at The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego.
It is also one of the most misunderstood.
Some patients are told surgery is their only option.
Others are told their MRI findings are simply "normal aging."
Many are left frustrated because no one has explained why they are experiencing:
✔ Sciatica
✔ Burning Leg Pain
✔ Foot Numbness
✔ Tingling
✔ Weakness
✔ Pain While Sitting
✔ Difficulty Walking
✔ Neck Pain
✔ Arm Pain
✔ Hand Numbness
The reality is that foraminal stenosis can affect people very differently.
That is why proper evaluation and patient selection are so important.
SCHEDULE A NO-CHARGE CONSULTATION
If you've been diagnosed with foraminal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, a herniated disc, sciatica, cervical radiculopathy, or spinal stenosis, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC offers a No-Charge Consultation to help determine whether you may be a candidate for care.
During your consultation, Dr. Boelk may help you better understand:
✔ What your MRI findings actually mean
✔ Whether foraminal stenosis may be contributing to your symptoms
✔ Whether nerve irritation may be responsible for your pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness
✔ Why previous treatments may or may not have helped
✔ Whether additional imaging may be beneficial
✔ Whether you may be a candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
✔ Whether another option may be more appropriate
Because Dr. Boelk personally performs these consultations and reviews imaging himself, consultation availability is limited each week.
"LAST YEAR THE PAIN WAS UNBEARABLE"
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 two 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
WHAT IS FORAMINAL STENOSIS?
The spinal nerves leave the spine through small openings called foramina.
Think of them as tunnels or passageways where the nerves exit the spine and travel into the arms or legs.
When these openings begin to narrow, the condition is often called:
✔ Foraminal Stenosis
✔ Neural Foraminal Narrowing
✔ Foraminal Narrowing
As the space becomes smaller, nearby nerves may become irritated or compressed.
This can potentially contribute to symptoms such as:
✔ Sciatica
✔ Burning Leg Pain
✔ Foot Numbness
✔ Tingling
✔ Weakness
✔ Arm Pain
✔ Hand Numbness
✔ Cervical Radiculopathy
Many MRI reports describe foraminal stenosis as:
-
Mild
-
Moderate
-
Severe
However, MRI findings alone do not always determine how much pain a person experiences.
This is why imaging should always be interpreted together with a patient's symptoms and examination findings.
WHAT CAUSES FORAMINAL STENOSIS?
Several different conditions may contribute to foraminal narrowing.
Common causes include:
✔ Disc Herniations
✔ Disc Bulges
✔ Degenerative Disc Disease
✔ Loss Of Disc Height
✔ Bone Spurs
✔ Arthritis
✔ Facet Joint Enlargement
✔ Age-Related Degeneration
In many cases, patients are actually dealing with a combination of several factors rather than one single problem.
"IT HURT SO BAD IT MADE ME WANT TO CRY"
I have been dealing with back pain for several years. It got so bad that I had surgery 5 years ago for a bulging disc. About 5 months ago the disc bulged again hitting my sciatic nerve creating pain in my legs that made me want to cry it hurt so bad.
After trying so many other options I was fortunate enough to find the spinal decompression and chiropractic center of San Diego.
After just a few sessions I noticed a difference. Now after being there for the past few months I'm able to go about my normal life again.
What a blessing it was to find a Dr that genuinely cares and knows how to help people in my situation. Thank you Dr Boelk!
— Anthony K., San Diego, CA
WHY SOME PATIENTS WITH FORAMINAL STENOSIS SEEK NON-SURGICAL SPINAL DECOMPRESSION
One of the most common goals of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is to reduce mechanical stress within the spinal segment.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Boelk exclusively utilizes DRX9000 Spinal Decompression Systems.
The office currently operates:
✔ 4 Lumbar DRX9000 Systems
✔ 3 Cervical DRX9000 Systems
✔ 7 DRX9000 Systems Total
making it one of the largest Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression facilities in California.
Many patients seek a consultation to determine whether they may be a candidate for:
✔ Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD)
✔ DRX9000 Spinal Decompression
✔ Conservative Treatment Options
before considering injections or surgery.
Not every patient is a candidate.
This is one reason patient selection remains one of the most important aspects of treatment.
5 THINGS SOME FORAMINAL STENOSIS PATIENTS MAY TRY AT HOME
⚠️ These suggestions are not intended to replace a proper evaluation.
1. Avoid Staying In One Position Too Long
Many patients report increased symptoms after prolonged sitting or standing.
2. Walk Frequently
Short walks throughout the day are often better tolerated than prolonged inactivity.
3. Stay Hydrated
Healthy discs rely heavily on fluid exchange.
4. Pay Attention To Activities That Consistently Increase Symptoms
Patterns often become apparent when patients carefully monitor their daily activities.
5. Maintain Consistent Movement
Many patients feel worse when they become overly sedentary.
WHY EXPERIENCE MATTERS
Foraminal stenosis can look very different from one patient to the next.
Some patients experience severe symptoms with relatively mild MRI findings.
Others have severe MRI findings with surprisingly little discomfort.
This is why patient evaluation is so important.
Dr. Cassidy Boelk is:
✔ Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
✔ Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
✔ Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist (PPSC)
✔ California X-Ray Radiation Supervisor & Operator
✔ Founder, Spinal Decompression Training Academy
✔ Founding Member, American Spinal Decompression Society
✔ Member, International Disc Education Association
✔ More Than 22 Years Of Clinical Experience
✔ More Than 100,000 Spinal Decompression Treatments Performed
Doctors from around the country now travel to San Diego to learn spinal decompression protocols and patient selection through the Spinal Decompression Training Academy.
NOT EVERY PATIENT IS A CANDIDATE
One thing many patients appreciate about Dr. Boelk is his willingness to be honest.
Not every patient qualifies.
Not every patient can avoid surgery.
And not every patient should undergo spinal decompression treatment.
One consultation patient shared:
"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
"I AM EXTREMELY HAPPY I DID NOT HAVE SURGERY"
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.
— Calder Pearce, San Diego, CA
SCHEDULE A NO-CHARGE CONSULTATION TO SEE IF YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE
📞 619-298-0800
📍 5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
If you've been diagnosed with foraminal stenosis and are looking for answers before considering injections or surgery, the first step is determining exactly what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Because Dr. Boelk personally performs these consultations and many patients travel from throughout California, the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Europe seeking his expertise, appointment availability is limited and consultations are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.