How Do I Fix a Bulging Disc Without Surgery? – San Diego, CA
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
Featuring Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC — Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
A bulging disc can disrupt every part of life — standing, walking, sleeping, working, and even simple daily tasks. Many people spend months or years trying medications, physical therapy, injections, or traditional chiropractic care, only to continue struggling with nerve pain, sciatica, or stiffness that makes normal life feel out of reach.
The encouraging reality is this: most bulging discs do not require surgery, even when symptoms are severe. With the right non-surgical approach, the disc can often be relieved, rehydrated, and stabilized, allowing the body to heal.
In San Diego, one of the most effective and researched non-surgical treatments available is True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) using the DRX9000. This is the specialty of Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC — a Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor, Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, and the founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy. With nearly 21 years of exclusive decompression experience and over 75,000 spinal decompression treatments performed, Dr. Boelk is one of the most experienced decompression doctors in the country.
Why Bulging Discs Cause Pain
A bulging disc occurs when the outer disc fibers weaken and the disc expands outward. When that bulge presses on spinal nerves or reduces joint space, symptoms may include:
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Lower back pain
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Sciatica or leg pain
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Numbness, tingling, or weakness
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Pain with standing or walking
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Reduced spinal mobility or stiffness
For some individuals, symptoms worsen over time and begin interfering with all aspects of life.
One example is Anthony, a San Diego patient whose pain became unbearable even after having spine surgery five years earlier.
⭐ 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: Anthony’s case demonstrates how even patients with prior spine surgery and recurring disc bulges can achieve significant relief and return to normal function when treated with Dr. Boelk’s advanced DRX9000 spinal decompression protocols.
How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Helps Fix a Bulging Disc
The DRX9000 is not traction, inversion therapy, or generic decompression. It uses precise, computer-guided technology to create negative pressure within the disc, helping:
1. Pull the disc material inward
Reducing nerve pressure and relieving sciatica.
2. Rehydrate and restore the disc
Improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to support healing.
3. Reduce inflammation and muscle guarding
Allowing mobility to return.
4. Create long-term structural improvement
Especially when combined with corrective strengthening.
This technology is so effective that many patients travel long distances for it — including international patients.
⭐ 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 case highlights the global demand for Dr. Boelk’s expertise. Even complex multilevel disc bulges can achieve stability and pain relief through his DRX9000 protocols, drawing patients from across the world.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Technology & Provider
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego is home to:
✔ 7 DRX9000 spinal decompression machines
The largest known DRX9000 setup in California.
✔ Over 75,000 treatments performed
Extensive experience ensures safe, individualized care.
✔ Customized protocol development
Every patient receives settings personalized to their disc levels, symptoms, spinal measurements, and treatment response.
For patients with severe bulges or extrusions, this level of precision can be life-changing.
⭐ 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 experience demonstrates that even severe disc extrusions scheduled for injections or surgery can be successfully treated without invasive procedures when advanced decompression is combined with expert evaluation and individualized care.
Passive Therapy + Active Therapy = Long-Term Success
True spinal decompression is a passive therapy — the DRX9000 does the mechanical work of unloading the spine.
But long-term relief requires active therapy, including:
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Core strengthening
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Pelvic and hip stabilization
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Spinal mobility work
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Posture correction
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Controlled movement strategies
As a Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist with thousands of hours spent rehabbing spine injuries, Dr. Boelk incorporates active therapy so patients maintain and build upon their decompression results.
⭐ 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 success shows how customized decompression settings and expert oversight can quickly reduce nerve compression and restore comfort for patients with severe sciatica.
⭐ 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: Kaitelyn’s experience underscores the importance of combining decompression with corrective exercise, allowing patients to regain mobility, independence, and confidence.
Is Spinal Decompression Right for You?
Most patients who qualify suffer from:
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Bulging discs
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Herniated discs
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Extruded discs
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Sciatica
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Chronic low back pain
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Disc-related nerve compression
A no-charge consultation determines eligibility and whether decompression is the correct approach.
Next Steps Toward Relief
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Call (619) 298-0800 or text (619) 884-8298 after hours.
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Schedule your no-charge consultation to determine whether you qualify for DRX9000 treatment.
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Bring any MRI or X-rays if available.
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Review your findings and treatment options with Dr. Boelk to make an informed decision.
👉 Consultations are no charge and carry zero obligation.
Appointments fill quickly due to high demand and patients traveling from out of state and abroad.
About Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC
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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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California X-Ray Radiology Licensed Doctor
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Member, International Disc Education Association
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Founder, Spinal Decompression Training Academy
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Over 75,000 Spinal Decompression Treatments Performed
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7 DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression Machines in One Clinic
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Largest Known Provider of Spinal Decompression in California
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Nearly 21 Years Specializing Exclusively in Decompression Care
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Rated #1 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Office in San Diego
Clinic Information
📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 Office: (619) 298-0800
📱 Text Line: (619) 884-8298
🌐 Website: www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
Referral Policy
Regardless of who referred you — a medical doctor, neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor, physical therapist, attorney, or a friend or family member — all patients are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure that Dr. Boelk has sufficient time to personally evaluate each case and determine candidacy for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.
