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How Do I Heal a Bulging Disc Without Surgery? – San Diego, California

How Do I Heal a Bulging Disc Without Surgery? – San Diego, California

If you’re dealing with ongoing back pain, sciatica, or nerve symptoms from a bulging or herniated disc, it’s very common to search online for one specific answer:

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

For many people in San Diego, this question comes after weeks or months of pain, disrupted sleep, limited activity, failed treatments, and growing concern about injections or surgery. The reality is that many disc conditions can be treated without surgery, but only when the cause of the problem is properly identified and the treatment is applied correctly.

This article explains:

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:

One of the biggest misconceptions is that time alone will fix the problem. In reality, discs do not heal well under continued compression, especially when nerve irritation is present.

Can a Bulging Disc Heal Without Surgery?

In many cases, yes — but not by ignoring it.

Spinal discs have very limited blood supply, meaning they rely on motion, pressure changes, and fluid exchange to heal. If a disc remains compressed, inflamed, and overloaded, the healing process is often stalled.

True non-surgical healing requires:

Without addressing these factors, symptoms often persist or progressively worsen.

Why Many Common Treatments Fail to Resolve Disc Pain

Many patients try combinations of:

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

This is why so many patients feel stuck in a cycle of short-term relief without lasting improvement.

How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Helps Discs Heal

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

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

This creates an environment where the disc can begin to heal — without injections or surgery.

However, not all spinal decompression is the same. Outcomes depend on:

Why Experience, Protocols, and Equipment Matter

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, 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 one of the reasons patients seek care here after failed treatments 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

If you’re dealing with disc pain, nerve compression, or chronic neck or back issues, 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 find out if you qualify for DRX9000 spinal decompression

  3. Bring your MRI or X-rays if available

  4. Review your exam findings 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 ensures 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