How Do I Heal a Bulging Disc Without Surgery? – Kearny Mesa, CA
If you live or work in Kearny Mesa and you’re dealing with persistent back pain, sciatica, or nerve symptoms from a bulging or herniated disc, there’s a very high chance you’ve typed this exact question into Google:
“How do I heal a bulging disc without surgery?”
For many people in the Kearny Mesa area, this question comes after months of discomfort, difficulty sitting at work, disrupted sleep, limited exercise, and growing concern about injections or surgery. The encouraging reality is that many disc-related conditions can be treated without surgery, but only when the problem is addressed correctly and early enough.
This article explains:
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What a bulging disc really is
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Why symptoms often worsen over time
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Why many treatments fail to provide lasting relief
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When surgery may (or may not) be necessary
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What truly helps a bulging disc heal without surgery
What Is a Bulging Disc—and Why Does It Cause Pain?
A bulging disc occurs when the outer fibers of a spinal disc weaken and the disc protrudes beyond its normal boundary. Even without a full tear, this bulge can compress nearby spinal nerves, causing symptoms such as:
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Low back or neck pain
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Pain radiating into the arm or leg
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Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations
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Muscle weakness or fatigue
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Difficulty sitting, standing, walking, or sleeping
Many Kearny Mesa patients are told to “wait and see,” but discs do not heal well when compression and nerve irritation remain present. Without reducing pressure on the disc, symptoms often persist or worsen.
Can a Bulging Disc Heal Without Surgery?
In many cases, yes — but not by ignoring it.
Spinal discs have very limited blood supply, meaning healing depends on motion, pressure changes, and fluid exchange. If a disc stays compressed, inflamed, and overloaded, the body struggles to repair it.
True non-surgical healing requires:
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Reducing pressure inside the disc
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Improving disc hydration and nutrient flow
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Decreasing nerve compression
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Restoring spinal stability and movement
Without addressing these factors, flare-ups often become more frequent and more intense.
Why Many Common Treatments Don’t Fully Resolve Disc Pain
Many patients try:
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Physical therapy
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Chiropractic adjustments
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Pain medications
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Steroid injections
While these approaches may reduce symptoms temporarily, they often do not directly decompress the disc itself. If disc pressure remains high, nerve irritation continues, and pain returns.
This is why many people in Kearny Mesa feel stuck cycling through treatments without long-term improvement.
How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Helps Bulging Discs Heal
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) is specifically designed to address disc compression, not just pain.
When performed properly using advanced equipment such as the DRX9000, spinal decompression:
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Gently separates spinal segments
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Creates negative pressure inside the disc
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Encourages retraction of disc material
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Improves fluid and nutrient exchange
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Reduces nerve irritation
This creates an environment where the disc can begin to heal—without injections or surgery.
It’s important to understand that not all spinal decompression is the same. Results depend on accurate diagnosis, proper force and angle selection, and individualized treatment progression.
Why Experience and Proper Protocols Matter
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, located in Kearny Mesa, spinal decompression is not treated as a generic therapy.
Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC specializes almost exclusively in disc and nerve conditions and integrates:
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True DRX9000 spinal decompression
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Case-specific, customized protocols
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Active rehabilitation and stabilization
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Ongoing reassessment to ensure progress
This focused approach is why many patients seek care here after unsuccessful treatment elsewhere.
Real Patient Experiences
“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
“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
“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
“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
“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
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 100,000 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
Next Steps Toward Lasting Relief (Kearny Mesa)
If you’re dealing with disc pain, nerve compression, or chronic neck or back issues in Kearny Mesa, now is the time to take action before the condition becomes harder to correct.
Here’s how to get started:
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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 if you qualify for DRX9000 spinal decompression
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Bring your MRI or X-rays if available
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Review your findings directly with Dr. Boelk so you can make an informed decision
👉 Consultations are no-charge and carry no obligation.
Because availability is limited and many patients travel from out of state and overseas, appointments fill quickly. Securing your spot early helps ensure timely evaluation and care.
📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123 (Kearny Mesa)
📞 Office: (619) 298-0800
📱 Text Line: (619) 884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
Referral Policy
Whether you were referred by a medical doctor, neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist, attorney, or through a friend or family member, all patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. This ensures Dr. Boelk has the necessary time to personally evaluate whether you’re a candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and whether your case can be accepted for care.
