How a Disc Herniates San Diego, CA
Most people with disc pain have never been shown what actually happens when a disc herniates. They feel the pain, the sciatica, the loss of movement — but understanding why it happens is the first step in fixing it.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC has spent almost 20 years helping patients avoid injections and back surgery by addressing disc injuries the right way — by fixing the mechanical problem causing the pain.
This article explains what’s really going on inside the spine, why symptoms can feel so intense, and how true Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression using the DRX9000 helps reverse the problem safely and naturally.
Each disc is made of:
Strong outer rings (like layers of an onion)
A soft gel-like center
Daily stress — sitting too long, bending forward, lifting incorrectly, twisting, or the accumulation of years of compression — can cause tiny tears in the outer rings.
Once those tears deepen, the inner gel begins to push outward.
When that gel presses on a nerve, symptoms appear:
Sharp low back pain
Sciatica
Tingling or numbness
Pain when sitting, driving, bending, or lifting
Difficulty walking or standing up straight
Disc herniations aren’t a “mystery condition.” They are pressure and tear injuries — and they respond best when the pressure is reversed and the disc is given the space and time to heal.
Dr. Boelk’s clinic exclusively uses the FDA-cleared DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression system, proven in research from institutions such as:
Stanford University
Johns Hopkins
Duke Medical Center
Mayo Clinic
The DRX9000 creates a precise, gentle pull that lowers pressure inside the disc — often enough to draw herniated material back toward the center, off the nerve.
This process helps:
Reduce nerve pressure
Improve disc hydration and healing
Reduce inflammation
Relax tight spinal muscles
Restore mobility more quickly
This is not traction. This is not inversion. True decompression requires advanced engineering, exact angles, individualized settings, and careful protocols — all of which Dr. Boelk trains other doctors nationwide to use properly through the Spinal Decompression Training Academy.
“Dr. Boelk and his team are the best in the business! I have had lower back problems for over 5 years and been to 6 other doctors seeking options other than surgery. I came in early January not able to bend and walking with a limp. By February I was able to bend again with minimal pain and by March I am now able to bend without any pain and am able to walk normally. I am EXTREMELY happy I did not have surgery and found Dr. Boelk. Trust him and the process and he will get you feeling better…”
Patients routinely travel from:
Arizona
Nevada
Utah
Oregon
Montana
Alaska
Mexico
Spain
United Kingdom
Many have already tried traditional chiropractic, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, or traction-based machines with no relief. They choose Dr. Boelk because:
He has performed over 75,000 spinal decompression treatments
He uses seven DRX9000 systems — the largest private setup in the region
He is a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
He is a Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
He personally recovered from disc injuries and a stable Grade II L5–S1 spondylolisthesis
He trains other doctors nationwide
His protocols are precise, individualized, and based on years of experience treating some of the most severe disc cases.
“I began asking people about their experience with back surgery… Sometimes Google is magic… I am so grateful I found Dr. Boelk and staff at the Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Center. After a consultation where I never felt rushed and I FELT HEARD I decided to commit to a treatment plan. I am now pain free after 18 treatments… No meds. Just committing to Dr. Boelk's recommended treatment plan.”
Many clinics use:
Cheaper traction machines
Improper pull patterns
Generic, cookie-cutter settings
No positional correction
No active stabilization therapy
This is why some patients say they “tried decompression and it didn’t work.”
Technique matters.
Settings matter.
Machine quality matters.
Experience matters.
Dr. Boelk’s protocols integrate both passive decompression and active spinal rehab, addressing disc pressure and the muscle imbalances that led to the injury.
“I travel from the UK to see Dr Boelk and his wonderful team. I have 3 bulging discs 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.”
While decompression addresses the core issue, patients often feel better sooner when they also:
Take short, frequent walks
Avoid repeated bending forward
Use neutral spine positions while resting
Stretch tight hip flexors gently
Avoid lifting anything heavy during the healing phase
These aren’t treatments — just simple adjustments that reduce irritation while the disc begins to recover.
“I have had a wonderful experience with Dr. Boelk and his staff… They have a great protocol and the best decompression machines. I’ve been to other places with sub par machines and didn’t get any benefit… Been undergoing treatment for about 12 sessions now and the sciatica is gone and I’m almost back to normal… Definitely worth the investment! Thank you!”
Dr. Boelk offers no-charge consultations to determine whether decompression is appropriate for your condition.
All patients — even those referred by neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, PTs, chiropractors, and MDs — are seen strictly on a first-come, first-served basis to allow proper time for evaluation.
Only cases that meet strict criteria are accepted to ensure the highest likelihood of success.
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 Call: (619) 298-0800
📱 Text: (619) 884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
Founder, Spinal Decompression Training Academy
75,000+ decompression treatments performed
20 years helping patients avoid spinal surgery
Seven DRX9000 treatment systems
Patients travel nationally and internationally for care
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