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How Do I Heal a Bulging Disc Without Surgery? – La Jolla, CA

How Do I Heal a Bulging Disc Without Surgery? – La Jolla, CA

If you live in or near La Jolla and you’re struggling with back pain, sciatica, or nerve symptoms from a bulging or herniated disc, there’s a strong chance you’ve searched this exact question online:

“How do I heal a bulging disc without surgery?”

For many La Jolla residents, this question comes after months of discomfort, difficulty sitting or sleeping, reduced physical activity, and concern about injections or surgery. The encouraging reality is that many disc-related conditions can be treated without surgery, but only when the cause of the problem is properly identified and treated with the right approach.

This article will explain:

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 rupture, this bulge can compress nearby spinal nerves, leading to symptoms such as:

Many people in La Jolla are told to “give it time,” but discs do not heal well when compression and nerve irritation remain present. Without relieving disc pressure, symptoms often persist or progressively worsen.

Can a Bulging Disc Heal Without Surgery?

In many cases, yes — but not by waiting it out.

Spinal discs have very limited blood supply, meaning healing depends on motion, pressure changes, and fluid exchange. If a disc remains compressed and inflamed, the body struggles to repair it.

True non-surgical healing requires:

Without addressing these factors, flare-ups often become more frequent and severe.

Why Many Traditional Treatments Don’t Solve the Problem

Many patients attempt:

While these approaches can reduce symptoms temporarily, they often do not directly decompress the disc itself. If pressure inside the disc remains high, nerve irritation continues and symptoms return.

This is why many La Jolla patients feel frustrated after trying multiple treatments without lasting relief.

How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Helps Bulging Discs Heal

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) is designed specifically to address disc compression, not just pain.

When performed correctly using advanced equipment like the DRX9000, spinal decompression:

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, individualized protocols, and integration with active rehabilitation.

Why Experience and Specialized Protocols Matter

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, many patients from La Jolla seek care because spinal decompression is not treated as a generic therapy.

Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC focuses almost exclusively on disc and nerve conditions and integrates:

This level of specialization is a major reason patients pursue 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

Next Steps Toward Lasting Relief (La Jolla)

If you’re dealing with disc pain, nerve compression, or chronic neck or back issues in La Jolla, now is the time to take action before the condition becomes harder to correct.

Here’s how to get started:

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

  2. Schedule your no-charge consultation to see if you qualify for DRX9000 spinal decompression

  3. Bring your MRI or X-rays if available

  4. 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
📞 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.

 

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