Herniated Disc & Sciatica Pain Relief Without Surgery – San Diego, CA
If you’re searching for herniated disc and sciatica pain relief in San Diego, CA, chances are you’ve already tried rest, medications, maybe injections, and you’re still hurting.
You might be:
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Waking up with burning or stabbing pain down the leg
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Struggling to sit, drive, or work without constant discomfort
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Worried your only option is spinal surgery
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC has dedicated over 20 years to helping patients avoid back and neck surgery with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) and targeted active rehabilitation. As a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain Free Performance Specialist, he has spent thousands of hours rehabbing his own spinal injuries and those of his patients, and has now performed over 75,000 spinal decompression treatments.
Patients routinely drive and fly in from across San Diego, all over the U.S., Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom to seek his care.
What’s Really Going On With a Herniated Disc and Sciatica?
A herniated disc happens when the inner part of a spinal disc pushes out through a weakened outer layer. This usually moves backward and slightly to the side, right where the nerves exit the spine.
That’s why you may feel:
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Sharp, electric pain traveling down the leg or into the foot
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Numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles”
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Weakness with walking, climbing stairs, or standing
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Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or twisting
That radiating leg pain is called sciatica – not just “tight muscles,” but actual nerve compression.
The goal is simple:
Take pressure off the disc and nerve, improve how the spine moves and stabilizes, and allow the body to heal instead of just numbing the pain.
What You Can Do at Home Right Now
While proper evaluation is critical, there are things you can start doing today to help calm a herniated disc and sciatica. These are general strategies – if any of them increase your pain, stop and get evaluated.
1. Change How You Sit and Stand
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Avoid long periods of sitting; set a timer for every 20–30 minutes to stand or walk.
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Sit with your hips slightly higher than your knees and your feet flat on the floor.
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Use a small rolled towel or lumbar support behind the low back to keep a gentle curve.
2. Short, Frequent Walks
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Take 5–10 minute walks several times per day on level ground.
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Walking gently mobilizes the spine, improves blood flow, and keeps the discs from being constantly compressed.
3. Positional Relief for Sciatica
Many people with herniated discs feel better in certain positions. Two common options:
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Prone Prop (Gentle Extension):
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Lie on your stomach on a firm surface.
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Prop up on your elbows, keeping hips and pelvis down.
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Hold 30–60 seconds if it reduces leg pain. Repeat a few times per day.
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90–90 Position:
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Lie on your back with your lower legs up on a chair so hips and knees are at 90°.
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This can unload the spine and reduce pressure on the nerve.
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Rest here for 5–10 minutes while focusing on slow breathing.
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4. Gentle Nerve-Friendly Stretching
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Hamstring Stretch (Non-Aggressive):
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Lie on your back, loop a towel around your foot, and slowly straighten the knee.
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Stop before you feel a sharp pull or nerve pain—this should feel like a mild stretch, not a zinger.
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5. Early Core & Hip Activation (Pain-Free Range Only)
When tolerated, simple stability drills can help support your spine:
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Abdominal Bracing: Lightly tighten your abdominal wall as if preparing for a light tap to the stomach. Hold 5–10 seconds, breathe normally, repeat.
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Bird Dog (Modified): On hands and knees, slowly extend one leg straight back (keep the back flat), hold a few seconds, and return. If that’s easy, you can add the opposite arm.
6. Smart “Don’ts” for Herniated Disc & Sciatica
Try to avoid, as much as possible:
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Heavy lifting, twisting, or bending to the side
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Deep forward bending (touching your toes, repeated sit-ups)
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Long car rides or sitting on very soft couches
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Trying to “push through” sharp leg pain
These steps rarely fix the problem on their own, but they can reduce irritation and protect the disc while you decide your next move.
How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) Helps Herniated Discs & Sciatica
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is designed specifically for disc problems and nerve compression.
At our clinic, we use only FDA-cleared DRX9000 decompression systems — the same technology researched and supported in studies through institutions such as Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, Duke Medical Center, and the Mayo Clinic, among others.
What NSSD Does
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Gently separates the involved spinal segments with precisely controlled traction.
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Creates a mild negative pressure inside the disc, encouraging bulging or herniated material to retract away from the nerve.
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Pulls oxygen, water, and nutrients back into the disc, supporting healing.
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Reduces pressure on the sciatic nerve, which can decrease pain, numbness, and tingling.
Each session is customized based on:
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Exact disc level(s) involved
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Body weight and size
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Symptom pattern (leg vs. back pain, side, severity)
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How your body responds from visit to visit
You’re fully clothed, comfortably secured, and many patients actually find the sessions relaxing.
Why Not All “Decompression” Is the Same
This is a key point many patients don’t realize.
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Basic traction tables, inversion tables, and many “pull” devices do not replicate true NSSD.
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The DRX9000 systems at our office are built specifically to control the angle, depth, and timing of decompression, and they are computer-controlled to avoid spasms and protect the spine.
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We have seven DRX9000 tables in one clinic, making this one of the largest dedicated decompression centers in California.
On top of that, protocol matters just as much as the machine itself. Dr. Boelk has developed and refined his protocols through tens of thousands of treatments and now trains other doctors through his Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy, based right here in his private practice in San Diego.
Passive PLUS Active: Why Your Long-Term Results Depend on Both
Spinal decompression is a passive treatment — the table does the work while you relax. It’s extremely powerful for taking pressure off the disc and nerve, but lasting relief requires more:
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Correcting muscle imbalances
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Improving hip and spinal mobility
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Building stability and strength in the core and glutes
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Changing movement patterns that overloaded the disc in the first place
That’s why every decompression plan in our office is paired with individualized active rehabilitation so that once the pain calms down, your body can actually hold the improvements.
Who Is (and Isn’t) a Candidate for NSSD?
Not every patient with a herniated disc or sciatica should receive spinal decompression. Safety comes first.
Generally not candidates include people with:
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Spinal instability such as unstable spondylolisthesis
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Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
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Pregnancy
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Certain types of fractures, severe osteoporosis, or spinal infections
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Metal hardware in the spine in some post-surgical cases
This is why Dr. Boelk conducts a detailed consultation, history, and review of imaging before accepting any case. If he does not believe you are a good fit, or if you are not improving as expected, he tells you directly and discusses other options.
Real Patients, Full Stories – Herniated Disc & Sciatica Relief in San Diego
“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. He also said from the beginning that if at any stage in the process he felt like progress wasn't happening he would let me know which was not the case with other specialist I have seen in the past so I appreciate that.”
— Calder Pearce, San Diego, CA, 3/07/25
“I was so tired of being in pain and felt I had tried all resources. After two unsuccessful cortizone shots in my back (cash out of pocket) recommended by my primary care doctor who assured me that would do the trick, I began asking people about their experience with back surgery. Even my primary care doctor said it might have to be considered. I wanted to stay as far away from the knife as possible.
Sometimes Google is magic...I began to explore other options and found many useful information on spinal decompression. It is not a quick fix. Healing takes time and patience. I am so grateful I found Dr. Boelk and staff at the Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Center. Of course his 5 star reviews intrigued me. (and he deserves every one of those 5 star reviews).
After a consultation where I never felt rushed and I FELT HEARD I decided to commit to a treatment plan.
I am now pain free after 18 treatments. I plan to continue a maintenance routine as part of my self care goals moving forward and I'm finally feeling zero discomfort.
No meds. Just commiting to Dr. Boelk's recommended treatment plan.”
— Marlo Surovsky, San Diego, CA
“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.”
— Lisa S., United Kingdom
“The care I received at Dr. Boelk’s office was so wonderful. I went from having to lay down for several hours a day, to being able to live my life normally, and even began working up my exercise capacity. I always felt cared about, and there was a lot of feedback. The exercise and information Dr. Boelk provides is so critical to maintaining positive results and pain reduction with increased mobility and freedom. All the staff are so caring, and it’s one of the best decisions I made for my back!”
— Kaitelyn H., San Diego, CA
These are exactly the kinds of herniated disc and sciatica cases we see every day in our San Diego clinic.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC for Herniated Disc & Sciatica Relief
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Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
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Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
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Certified Pain Free Performance Specialist
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Over 20 years helping patients avoid neck and back surgery
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More than 75,000 spinal decompression treatments performed
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7 DRX9000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression tables in one office
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Founder of the Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy, training doctors nationwide in DRX9000 protocols and NSSD techniques
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Has spent thousands of hours rehabbing his own spine and his patients’ spines, refining protocols based on real-world outcomes
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Patients travel from Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom for his care
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Combines passive care (NSSD) with active rehab, mobility, and stability work to address the root cause
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Clear, honest communication – if you are not a candidate or not progressing, he tells you and guides you on the next step
How the Process Works at The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
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Review of your history, symptoms, and prior treatments
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Discussion of your MRI or other imaging (if available)
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Determination of whether NSSD is appropriate to even consider
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Detailed Examination & Plan
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If you’re a potential candidate, Dr. Boelk performs a focused orthopedic and neurological exam.
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You receive a personalized treatment plan including decompression and active rehab.
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Decompression & Rehab Sessions
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Sessions are scheduled in a structured series to give the disc time and repetition to respond.
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You’ll be given specific at-home strategies to support your progress.
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Re-Evaluation and Long-Term Strategy
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Progress is monitored regularly; if changes are needed, the plan is adjusted.
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Once pain is greatly reduced or resolved, many patients choose periodic maintenance to help keep their results.
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Regardless of whether you were referred by a neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, medical doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist, or another provider, patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis so that Dr. Boelk can dedicate the necessary time to each case.
Ready to See If Your Herniated Disc and Sciatica Can Be Helped Without Surgery?
If you’re tired of hoping your herniated disc or sciatica will “just go away,” the next step is simple: find out if you’re a candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.
Because appointments are limited and there is often a waitlist, scheduling early gives you a better chance of securing a spot that works with your schedule.
Contact Information
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC – Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor, Certified Pain Free Performance Specialist
📍 5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 Call: 619-298-0800
📱 Text: 619-884-8298
🌐 Visit: www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
Next step: Call or text today to schedule your no-charge consultation and find out if Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is the right option for your herniated disc and sciatica.