How to Avoid Back Surgery in La Jolla, CA – Why Spinal Decompression Works When Traction Often Doesn’t
If you’re in La Jolla searching for “herniated disc treatment without surgery” or “best sciatica treatment near me,” you’re likely dealing with pain that is affecting your daily life.
You may have been told you have:
• A bulging or herniated disc
• Sciatica
• A pinched nerve
• Chronic neck pain radiating into the arm
• Low back pain traveling down the leg
And possibly injections or surgery have already been suggested.
Before moving forward with invasive procedures, it’s important to understand something many patients are never clearly told:
Traction and true Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression are not the same thing.
Why Traditional Traction Often Doesn’t Solve Disc Problems
Many La Jolla patients tell us:
“I tried traction before.”
“I used an inversion table at home.”
“My physical therapist did decompression.”
“It felt good for a few days, then the pain returned.”
Traditional traction applies a steady pulling force to the spine.
The issue is that your body often responds by tightening surrounding muscles. That muscle guarding limits how much the injured disc actually decompresses.
Traction can temporarily stretch muscles.
But it does not consistently create negative pressure inside the disc — which is necessary to reduce bulging and relieve nerve compression.
That difference is critical.
What True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Does Differently
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, serving many patients from La Jolla, we exclusively use the DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression System.
This FDA-cleared system is computer-controlled to:
• Target specific disc levels
• Minimize muscle guarding
• Create measurable negative intradiscal pressure
• Promote disc rehydration
• Reduce nerve compression
Instead of simply stretching the spine, it is engineered to decompress injured discs with precision.
When applied correctly and customized to MRI findings, many patients who failed traction respond very differently.
Real Patient Experiences
Toni H., San Diego, CA
“For the first time in 10 years, I am totally pain free. My sciatica is gone and I have no more back pain! I've tried other chiropractic procedures, acupuncture, pain killing drugs, and other type therapies that just did not work. I was one step before back surgery, until I discovered Dr. Boelk's therapy and his procedure, and it's a miracle! My office visits were always so relaxing and comfortable, there was never any pain involved with the therapy. Dr. Boelk and Patty are so welcoming and warm and ready to explain everything that's going on. They both take such good care of you! Thank you Dr. Boelk and Patty!”
Summary:
After nearly 10 years of unresolved sciatica and failed conservative care, Toni avoided back surgery and achieved full relief through structured decompression treatment.
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!”
Summary:
Even after prior back surgery and recurrence of a disc bulge, Anthony regained normal function through customized decompression care.
Jan H., San Marcos, CA
“I decided to see Dr. Boelk after a pretty gnarly motocoss neck injury. At the Hospital I was at, I felt I was getting pressured into a surgery which I refused. A friend of a friend referred him after Dr. Boelk successfully treated his broken back. Dr. Boelk is a compassionate individual who truly cares about his patients. He looked at my MRI images, explained what he saw and potential routes for recovery. He could not treat me as I have to wait until the fracture in my neck heals, but the level of professionalism, compassion, caring and knowledge displayed by him was exceptional. He also recommended to seek an additional opinion form another neurosurgeon. My experience was that he really cares and he's not someone who would take advantage of the situation someone's in (unlike some other doctors). I will definitely be back and already recommended him to others as well! Thank you Dr. Boelk!”
Summary:
This case highlights ethical decision-making and patient-first care — only treating when appropriate and guiding patients honestly.
Lynn C., Alaska
“I was having pain radiating down my legs — I couldn’t sleep or walk normally. After treatment, I’m back to shoveling snow, teaching, walking… I can live again. It was absolutely worth traveling from Alaska to see Dr. Boelk and his team!”
Summary:
Severe radiating leg pain improved dramatically, restoring full function — demonstrating why patients travel long distances for this level of expertise.
Abel T., San Diego, CA
“I had really bad back problems to the point I couldn’t sleep, also had pain radiating along the sciatic nerve which ran down one leg from the lower back—caused by an accident. I came in and talked to Dr. Cassidy about my back problems. He evaluated me and mentioned I was a good candidate for this treatment. After the first 2 decompression sessions my sciatic pain was gone and we were able to work on the root of the problem. I did a total of 24 sessions, after which I was able to start rehabilitation training to strengthen my core. The office is super nice and the staff’s customer service is above and beyond. Back and neck issues are horrible to live with—trust me, I know firsthand. I gained weight, took pain killers, went into depression, and had major anxiety. I’m over it now—feeling better, walking, sleeping well, and starting to have a better social life as well. The experience for me has been nothing but excellent. Dr. Cassidy Boelk is hands down amazing—super glad I came here.”
Summary:
Rapid sciatic relief followed by structured rehabilitation helped address both symptoms and long-term spinal stability.
About Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC
• Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
• California X-Ray Radiology Licensed Doctor
• Member, International Disc Education Association
• Founder, Spinal Decompression Training Academy
• Over 100,000 Spinal Decompression Treatments Performed
• 7 DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression Machines in One Clinic
• Largest Known Provider of Spinal Decompression in California
• Nearly 21 Years Specializing Exclusively in Decompression Care
• Rated #1 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Office in San Diego
Next Steps Toward Lasting Relief
If you’re in La Jolla and dealing with disc pain or nerve compression, early intervention matters.
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Call (619) 298-0800
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Text (619) 884-8298 after hours
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Schedule your no-charge consultation
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Bring your MRI or X-rays if available
Consultations are no-charge and carry no obligation.
Because many patients travel from out of state and overseas, appointments fill quickly.
All patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure adequate evaluation time.
📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 (619) 298-0800
📱 (619) 884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com