How to Avoid Spinal Surgery in San Diego, CA – Why Spinal Decompression Works When Traction Often Doesn’t
If you’re searching for “how to avoid back surgery in San Diego” or “herniated disc treatment without surgery near me,” you’re likely dealing with real pain — not curiosity.
Maybe you’ve been told you have:
• A bulging or herniated disc
• Sciatica
• A pinched nerve
• Degenerative disc changes
• Neck pain radiating into the arm
• Low back pain shooting into the leg
And maybe surgery has already been mentioned.
Before making that decision, it’s important to understand the difference between traditional traction and true Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.
They are not the same.
Why Traditional Traction Often Falls Short
Many patients tell us:
“I tried traction before.”
“I used an inversion table.”
“My physical therapist did decompression.”
“It helped for a few days but the pain came back.”
Traditional traction applies a steady pulling force to stretch the spine.
The issue is that your body often responds by tightening the surrounding muscles. That muscle guarding limits meaningful decompression of the disc.
Traction may temporarily stretch soft tissues.
But it does not consistently create negative pressure inside the disc — which is what’s required 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, we exclusively use the DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression System.
This is FDA-cleared and computer-controlled to:
• Target specific disc levels
• Minimize muscle guarding
• Create negative intradiscal pressure
• Promote disc rehydration
• Reduce pressure on irritated nerves
Instead of simply stretching the spine, it is engineered to decompress injured discs precisely.
Patients who did not respond to traction often respond very differently to true decompression when protocols are customized correctly.
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 a decade of unresolved sciatica and failed conservative treatments, Toni avoided back surgery and achieved complete relief through Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.
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 surgery and recurrence of a bulging disc, Anthony found meaningful relief through decompression when other approaches failed.
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:
Even when not a candidate for immediate decompression, Jan experienced transparency, ethical guidance, and medical professionalism — reinforcing that patient selection and integrity matter.
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 resolved to the point that Lynn returned to full function — demonstrating why patients travel from out of state for specialized decompression care.
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:
Abel experienced rapid sciatic relief, completed a full decompression protocol, and transitioned into rehabilitation — addressing both symptoms and long-term stability.
Why Experience and Protocol Matter
True decompression is not a generic setting on a machine.
Each case must be customized based on:
• Disc level
• Severity of protrusion
• Nerve involvement
• Biomechanical stability
• Postural faults
• MRI findings
Dr. Cassidy Boelk has:
• Nearly 21 years specializing exclusively in decompression
• Performed over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments
• 7 DRX9000 machines in one clinic
• The largest known spinal decompression provider in California
This is not an add-on service.
It is the primary focus of the practice.
Patients travel from Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Spain for this level of specialization.
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 are dealing with disc pain or nerve compression, the earlier it is addressed, the better your odds of avoiding injections or surgery.
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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 in from out of state and overseas, appointments are limited and often fill quickly.
Early evaluation allows Dr. Boelk to determine whether you are a candidate and whether your case can be accepted for treatment.
📍 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