Articles


How Do I Fix a Bulging Disc Without Surgery? – Kearny Mesa, CA

How Do I Fix a Bulging Disc Without Surgery? – Kearny Mesa, CA

The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
Serving Kearny Mesa and Surrounding Communities
Featuring Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC — Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor

A bulging disc can make daily life in Kearny Mesa challenging — whether it's pain while standing at your kitchen counter, discomfort during your commute down the 163, or shooting nerve pain that makes walking through the neighborhood feel overwhelming. Many locals search endlessly for answers after trying physical therapy, medications, injections, or traditional chiropractic adjustments, only to continue feeling limited by pain or sciatica.

The encouraging reality is that most bulging discs do not require surgery, even when symptoms are severe. When the right non-surgical approach is applied, pressure on the disc can often be relieved, mobility restored, and nerve irritation resolved.

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego — just minutes from the heart of Kearny Mesa — patients receive one of the most advanced non-surgical treatments for disc injuries: True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) on the DRX9000. Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC has nearly 21 years of exclusive decompression experience and has performed more than 75,000 spinal decompression treatments, becoming one of the leading experts in California.


Why Bulging Discs Cause Pain

A disc bulge occurs when part of the spinal disc protrudes outward, often due to wear, repetitive stress, or age-related degeneration. If that protrusion presses on a nerve, symptoms may include:

These symptoms often progress gradually but can also worsen suddenly after lifting, twisting, or prolonged sitting.

One Kearny Mesa–area patient, Anthony, experienced worsening pain even after a prior spine surgery.


Patient Success Story #1 — 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!”

— Anthony K., San Diego, CA

Summary: This case shows how even patients with prior spine surgery and recurring disc bulges can return to normal activity through Dr. Boelk’s advanced DRX9000 decompression protocols.


How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Helps Fix a Bulging Disc

The DRX9000 is a highly advanced, research-backed system that uses calculated angles and measured decompression forces to gently lower the pressure inside the disc. This process:

1. Helps retract the bulging disc away from the nerve

Creating space and relieving nerve irritation.

2. Allows the disc to rehydrate and heal

Improving nutrient exchange and promoting long-term recovery.

3. Reduces inflammation

Helping patients regain movement and comfort.

4. Supports long-term structural improvement

Especially when paired with active rehabilitation and stabilization exercises.

Some patients travel internationally for this level of care — including one patient from the United Kingdom.


Patient Success Story #2 — 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.”
— Lisa S., United Kingdom

Summary: Lisa’s experience underscores the clinic’s reputation for successfully treating complex multilevel disc conditions for patients who cannot find relief elsewhere.


Why Kearny Mesa Patients Choose the DRX9000 at This Clinic

The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego is home to:

7 DRX9000 decompression machines

The largest known number in any clinic in California.

Extensive training and experience

Over 75,000 treatments performed exclusively by Dr. Boelk.

Customized decompression settings

No two patients receive the same protocol — every setting is tailored to the patient’s disc level, condition, and response.

For many individuals with bulging or extruded discs, this precision is what finally brings lasting relief.


Patient Success Story #3 — 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.”

— Amanda, San Diego, CA

Summary: Amanda’s transformation illustrates how severe disc extrusions scheduled for injections and possible surgery can be successfully treated non-surgically when advanced decompression technology and expert protocols are applied.


Why Passive + Active Therapy Matters

While spinal decompression is a highly effective passive therapy, long-term correction requires addressing muscular imbalances and movement limitations.
To support this, Dr. Boelk integrates targeted active therapy, including:

This combined strategy helps patients maintain their progress and prevents the disc from re-irritating.


Patient Success Story #4 — Brian Perrotta, San Diego, CA

“I highly recommend Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC and the team at The Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Center. I came in with severe sciatica and a herniated disc, and his treatments have made a world of difference. He and his staff are both professional and genuinely caring, creating a welcoming and supportive environment. The treatments were not only highly effective but also tailored to my specific needs. I’m grateful for the care I received and the significant improvement in my quality of life.”
— Brian Perrotta, San Diego, CA

Summary: Brian’s results demonstrate how individualized decompression settings combined with supportive care can rapidly reduce sciatica and disc-related nerve pain.


Patient Success Story #5 — Kaitelyn H., San Diego, CA

“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

Summary: Her experience reinforces the importance of combining decompression with corrective exercise to regain mobility, independence, and confidence.


Is Spinal Decompression Right for You?

Most Kearny Mesa patients who qualify have:

A no-charge consultation is used to determine candidacy and make personalized recommendations.


Next Steps for Kearny Mesa Residents

  1. Call (619) 298-0800 or text (619) 884-8298 after hours.

  2. Schedule your no-charge consultation.

  3. Bring MRI or X-rays if available.

  4. Review your findings and receive a tailored plan directly from Dr. Boelk.

👉 Consultations are no charge and carry zero obligation.
Because of high demand — including many patients traveling from out of state and overseas — appointments fill quickly.


About Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC


Clinic Information – Near Kearny Mesa

📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
(Just minutes from central Kearny Mesa)

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


Referral Policy

Regardless of referral source — medical doctors, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, physical therapists, attorneys, or family and friends — all patients are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring Dr. Boelk has the dedicated time required to personally evaluate each case and determine candidacy for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.

Get Fast Pain Relief Now

Schedule a Complimentary, No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation or to submit a question, simply fill out the form to the right and click submit.

(619) 298-0800