Herniated Disc Relief Without Surgery – La Jolla, CA

 

If you’re searching for herniated disc relief without surgery in La Jolla, CA, chances are you’re already past the point of “waiting it out.” You may have tried physical therapy, chiropractic care, medications, or injections — yet the pain, leg symptoms, or nerve irritation continue to interfere with your work, sleep, and daily life.

 

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, many La Jolla patients choose to work with Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC, a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, because the care here is built around one goal:
reducing disc and nerve compression safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary procedures.

 

With over 75,000 spinal decompression treatments performed and nearly 21 years focused almost exclusively on disc-related conditions, Dr. Boelk is known for helping patients who want a conservative, evidence-based alternative before considering injections or surgery.

Although the office is located in Kearny Mesa, patients regularly travel from La Jolla and surrounding coastal communities to receive this level of specialized care.

 

Why Herniated Disc Pain Often Persists

A herniated disc occurs when the inner portion of a spinal disc pushes outward and irritates nearby nerves. This can cause:

• Low back pain
• Sciatic or leg pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness
• Difficulty sitting, standing, or walking

What many people discover — often after months or years — is that treatments focused only on inflammation or symptoms don’t address the mechanical pressure on the disc and nerve. Without restoring disc spacing and improving spinal mechanics, symptoms frequently return.

 

How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Works

Dr. Boelk uses true Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) with the FDA-cleared DRX9000 system — the most researched decompression technology available today.

This is not traction and not an inversion table.

Each session is:

• Individually programmed based on MRI findings
• Gradually loaded to protect disc tissue
• Carefully monitored and adjusted by the doctor
• Designed to reduce pressure inside the disc and nerve root

The decompression process helps create a healing environment by:

• Lowering intradiscal pressure
• Encouraging disc rehydration
• Reducing nerve irritation
• Supporting long-term disc stability

Just as important, decompression is only one part of care.

 

Passive Care + Active Rehabilitation = Lasting Results

While the DRX9000 performs the passive decompression work, Dr. Boelk integrates active rehabilitation to help results hold.

Each plan may include:

• Spinal biomechanics education
• Movement correction and posture training
• Core, hip, and spinal stability progressions
• Home care strategies to reduce reinjury risk

This combination helps patients recover faster and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.

 

Are You a Candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?

Not every patient is accepted for care — and that is intentional.

Before any treatment is recommended, Dr. Boelk personally reviews:

• Imaging (MRI and/or X-rays)
• Neurological findings
• Medical history
• Structural stability of the spine

Some patients require healing time, further imaging, or another specialist. In those cases, Dr. Boelk is direct, transparent, and focused on guiding patients appropriately rather than forcing care.

 

Patient Perspective

Jan H. – San Marcos, CA

I decided to see Dr. Boelk after a pretty gnarly motocoss neck injury. At the Hospital I was at, I felt I was getting pressured into a surgery which I refused. A friend of a friend referred him after Dr. Boelk successfully treated his broken back.

Dr. Boelk is a compassionate individual who truly cares about his patients. He looked at my MRI images, explained what he saw and potential routes for recovery. He could not treat me as I have to wait until the fracture in my neck heals, but the level of professionalism, compassion, caring and knowledge displayed by him was exceptional. He also recommended to seek an additional opinion form another neurosurgeon.

My experience was that he really cares and he's not someone who would take advantage of the situation someone's in (unlike some other doctors). I will definitely be back and already recommended him to others as well! Thank you Dr. Boelk

 

Actual Patient Results

Anthony K. – San Diego, CA

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!

 

Lisa S. – United Kingdom

I travel from the UK to see Dr Boelk and his wonderful team . I have 3 bulging disc and one is touching the nerve. I have the spinal decompression treatment and it really helps keep me in my active life . I will not go to anyone else for back treatment, this place is number one and they genuinely care about their patients.

 

Amanda – San Diego, CA

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.

 

Next Steps for La Jolla Residents

If you’ve been searching for herniated disc relief without surgery, the next step is a proper evaluation — not more waiting.

📞 Call (619) 298-0800
📱 Text (619) 884-8298 (after hours welcome)
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com

➡️ No-charge consultation
➡️ No pressure or obligation
➡️ Bring MRI or X-rays if available
➡️ Meet directly with Dr. Boelk to determine candidacy

 

Location (Minutes From La Jolla)

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

📞 Office: (619) 298-0800
📱 Text: (619) 884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com

 

Referral Policy

Whether referred by a medical doctor, neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist, attorney, or a friend or family member — all patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basisto ensure sufficient time is dedicated to determining whether care is appropriate