Herniated Disc Relief Without Surgery – San Diego, CA
If you are searching for herniated disc relief without surgery in San Diego, CA, you are likely past the stage of “hoping it goes away.” Most people searching this phrase have already tried rest, medications, injections, chiropractic adjustments, or physical therapy — only to find that the pain keeps returning or continues to worsen.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, patients work directly with Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC, a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialistwho has performed over 75,000 spinal decompression treatments over nearly 21 years. His clinic, located in Kearny Mesa, is the largest known provider of true Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) in California, using 7 DRX9000 machines exclusively.
This is not general traction. It is not inversion. And it is not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Why Herniated Discs Cause Persistent Pain
A herniated disc occurs when the inner material of the disc pushes beyond its normal boundary and places pressure on nearby spinal nerves. This pressure can lead to:
- Severe low back or neck pain
- Radiating pain into the arm or leg
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Pain with sitting, standing, walking, or sleeping
The reason many people fail to improve is simple: most treatments do not reduce disc pressure. They may reduce inflammation temporarily, but they do not address the mechanical compression that continues to irritate the nerve.
How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Actually Works
At Dr. Boelk’s office, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is delivered using the DRX9000, the most researched decompression system available. Treatment is precisely customized based on MRI findings, exam results, and nerve involvement.
Each session is designed to:
- Gently lower pressure inside the disc
- Encourage disc material to retract away from the nerve
- Improve disc hydration and nutrient flow
- Reduce nerve irritation without force or manipulation
Unlike generic traction, every angle, pull pattern, cycle length, and progression is individually programmed. The goal is to create the right environment for disc healing — not to stretch the spine indiscriminately.
Passive Treatment Alone Is Not Enough
While spinal decompression creates the conditions for healing, lasting relief requires more than a passive approach.
Every care plan at Dr. Boelk’s clinic integrates:
- Disc decompression (passive therapy)
- Movement mechanics education
- Spinal and hip stability protocols
- Progressive rehabilitation strategies
- Home care reinforcement
This combination ensures that once pressure is reduced, the spine is supported correctly so symptoms resolve faster — and stay gone.
Are You a Candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?
Not every patient should undergo spinal decompression — and that matters.
Before accepting a case, Dr. Boelk reviews:
- MRI and X-ray findings
- Spinal stability
- Surgical history
- Neurological involvement
- Overall risk factors
If decompression is not appropriate, patients are told clearly and directed toward the correct next step. Care is recommended only when there is a reasonable expectation of benefit, and that standard is what has earned the trust of patients locally and internationally.
What That Looks Like in Practice
Jan H.
San Marcos, CA
Feb 16, 2021
I decided to see Dr. Boelk after a pretty gnarly motocross neck injury. At the hospital I was at, I felt I was getting pressured into surgery, which I refused. A friend of a friend referred me 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 discussed potential routes for recovery. He could not treat me yet, as I needed to wait until the fracture in my neck healed, but the level of professionalism, compassion, caring, and knowledge he displayed was exceptional.
He also recommended I seek an additional opinion from another neurosurgeon. My experience was that he genuinely cares and is not someone who would take advantage of a patient’s situation. I will definitely be back and have already recommended him to others. 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 discs 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 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.”
Why Patients Choose Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC
- Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
- Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
- Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
- California X-Ray Radiology Licensed Doctor
- Founder of the Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy
- Over 75,000 decompression treatments performed
- 7 DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression machines in one clinic
- Nearly 21 years focused almost exclusively on decompression care
- Patients travel from across the U.S., Mexico, the U.K., and Spain
Next Step: Get Evaluated
Patients searching “herniated disc relief without surgery” are usually ready to move forward.
Here’s how to start:
📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 Call: (619) 298-0800
📱 Text: (619) 884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
No-charge consultation.
No obligation.
First-come, first-served.
Because availability is limited and many patients travel from outside the region, securing your consultation early ensures timely evaluation if care is appropriate
