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How to Heal a Herniated Disc Naturally – San Diego, CA

How to Heal a Herniated Disc Naturally – San Diego, CA

Living with a herniated disc can feel overwhelming. The stabbing pain, the constant sciatica running down your leg, the inability to sit, stand, walk, or even sleep comfortably can make daily life nearly impossible. Many people are told that their only option is surgery, spinal injections, or a lifetime of medications.

The good news is this: many herniated discs can be treated naturally without surgery, without injections, and without relying on drugs. With the right care, your body has the ability to heal, and thousands of patients have experienced lasting relief without going under the knife.

I’m Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC, a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain Free Performance Specialist. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve performed more than 75,000 spinal decompression treatments and helped patients from across California, throughout the U.S., and internationally avoid surgery and return to the lives they thought they had lost.

What a Herniated Disc Really Is

A herniated disc occurs when the inner gel-like center of the disc pushes through the tougher outer layer. This bulging or herniation can compress the spinal nerves and cause symptoms such as:

Traditional treatment often focuses on masking symptoms with pain medications, injections, or referrals to surgery. These may provide short-term relief but rarely address the underlying problem: the compressed, injured disc.

How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) Works

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, we specialize in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD).

We use only the DRX9000 spinal decompression system, the most researched and advanced decompression technology available today. Unlike inversion tables or basic traction devices, the DRX9000 has been studied at Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, Duke Medical Center, and the Mayo Clinic and proven to create real decompression within the spinal discs.

Here’s what makes it effective:

  1. Precise Positioning – The DRX9000 gently positions your spine so the targeted disc is isolated.

  2. Negative Pressure Creation – A computerized pull-and-release sequence creates a vacuum effect inside the disc.

  3. Disc Retraction – Herniated disc material can retract away from the nerve, reducing compression and irritation.

  4. Rehydration & Healing – Nutrients and oxygen flow back into the disc, supporting repair and restoration.

  5. Lasting Relief – As nerve pressure decreases, inflammation reduces, and patients regain mobility and comfort.

This is a safe, gentle, FDA-cleared treatment. Many patients actually fall asleep while on the table because it is so comfortable.

Patient Testimonial – Calder Pearce, San Diego, CA

“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. He also said from the beginning that if at any stage in the process he felt like progress wasn't happening he would let me know which was not the case with other specialist I have seen in the past so I appreciate that.”
– Calder Pearce, San Diego, CA, 3/07/25

Why Not All Decompression Is Equal

Not all spinal decompression is the same. Generic traction tables or inversion devices simply stretch the spine — they do not isolate the injured disc or create the negative pressure needed to retract herniations and rehydrate discs.

That’s why we use only the DRX9000 and why we have invested in seven decompression tables in our office — the largest known provider in California. Each protocol is individualized, based on your specific MRI findings, symptoms, and response to care.

Patient Testimonial – Marlo Surovsky, San Diego, CA

“I was so tired of being in pain and felt I had tried all resources. After two unsuccessful cortizone shots in my back (cash out of pocket) recommended by my primary care doctor who assured me that would do the trick, I began asking people about their experience with back surgery. Even my primary care doctor said it might have to be considered. I wanted to stay as far away from the knife as possible.

Sometimes Google is magic...I began to explore other options and found many useful information on spinal decompression. It is not a quick fix. Healing takes time and patience. I am so grateful I found Dr. Boelk and staff at the Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Center. Of course his 5 star reviews intrigued me. (and he deserves every one of those 5 star reviews).

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. I plan to continue a maintenance routine as part of my self care goals moving forward and I'm finally feeling zero discomfort. No meds. Just committing to Dr. Boelk's recommended treatment plan.”
– Marlo Surovsky, San Diego, CA

Active vs. Passive Care

NSSD is an incredibly effective passive therapy. But long-term healing requires more than just decompressing the disc. That’s why we integrate active therapies: strengthening the core, correcting posture, balancing the hips, and restoring proper mobility.

This combined approach addresses the root cause of disc herniations, not just the symptoms — helping patients not only heal but stay pain-free.

Patient Testimonial – Lisa S., United Kingdom

“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.”
– Lisa S., United Kingdom

Healing Without Surgery Is Possible

Many of our patients come to us after trying physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, medications, or injections without success. That’s when NSSD often makes the biggest difference. By directly decompressing the injured disc, the DRX9000 allows natural healing to take place.

Patient Testimonial – Kaitelyn H., 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

Take the Next Step

If you’re struggling with a herniated disc, don’t wait until surgery is your only option. We offer a no-charge consultation to determine if you are a candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression. Because of high demand, consultations are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, and we do maintain a waitlist.

📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 Office Phone: 619-298-0800 | Cell: 619-884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com

Why Patients Choose Dr. Boelk

No matter how you found us — whether through a neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist, or online search — all patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure adequate time for evaluation and 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