How to Treat Degenerative Disc Disease Without Surgery – Kearny Mesa, CA

 

If you’ve been searching “How to treat degenerative disc disease without surgery” and you live near Kearny Mesa, CA, chances are you’ve already been told some version of the same story:
“That’s just wear and tear.”
“You’ll have to live with it.”
“Try injections or wait until surgery is unavoidable.”

The reality is very different.

 

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) are evaluated carefully to determine whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) can reduce disc pressure, calm irritated nerves, and restore function — without surgery or injections.

 

Care is led directly by Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC, a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialistwith nearly 21 years of experience and over 75,000 spinal decompression treatments performed.

Although the clinic is minutes from Kearny Mesa, patients routinely travel from across California, the U.S., and internationally to receive this level of care.

 

What Degenerative Disc Disease Really Is (and What It Isn’t)

Degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease.
It is a structural process where spinal discs lose hydration, height, and shock-absorbing capacity over time. As discs thin and weaken, several problems can develop:

• Reduced disc space
• Increased load on joints and nerves
• Disc bulges or herniations
• Chronic inflammation
• Nerve compression causing back pain, leg pain, or arm symptoms

What most patients are not told is that degeneration does not automatically mean surgery — especially when discs are still capable of responding to decompression and movement-based rehabilitation.

 

Why Most Treatments Fail to Address the Real Problem

Many common treatments focus on temporary symptom control, not the mechanical cause of disc breakdown:

• Medication reduces pain signals but does not reduce disc pressure
• Injections may calm inflammation temporarily but do not restore disc height
• Generic chiropractic adjustments may improve motion but cannot decompress discs
• Rest alone often worsens disc hydration and stiffness

Degenerative disc disease improves when disc pressure is reduced, movement patterns are corrected, and spinal stability is restored.

That combination is exactly what this clinic focuses on.

 

How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Helps Degenerative Disc Disease

Dr. Boelk uses true Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) with the FDA-cleared DRX9000 system, not traction tables or inversion devices.

The DRX9000 is the most researched spinal decompression system available, with studies associated with institutions such as Mayo Clinic, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, and Duke Medical Center.

Each decompression program is fully customized using MRI findings, exam results, nerve involvement, and patient tolerance.

Decompression helps by:

• Creating negative pressure inside the disc
• Improving disc hydration and nutrient exchange
• Reducing mechanical stress on spinal nerves
• Allowing bulging or degenerating discs to unload safely

Settings are never generic.
Every pull angle, force progression, and cycle count is selected deliberately and adjusted as the spine responds.

 

Passive Care Alone Is Not Enough — Active Rehab Is Essential

Spinal decompression is powerful — but it is only one part of successful care.

Degenerative disc disease improves most consistently when passive decompression is combined with active rehabilitation, which is why every program also includes:

• Spinal biomechanics education (how to move safely)
• Core and hip stability training
• Postural correction strategies
• Controlled mobility work
• Home care guidance to protect results

This dual approach helps patients feel better faster and keeps pain from returning once decompression is complete.

 

Are You a Candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?

Not everyone with degenerative disc disease is a candidate — and that matters.

Candidacy is determined through:

• X-rays
• MRI review
• Neurological findings
• Stability testing
• Clinical history

Some patients require healing time, alternative care, or referral elsewhere.
When that is the case, Dr. Boelk is direct and transparent.

This approach protects patients and ensures that care is only recommended when there is a reasonable expectation of benefit.

 

Real Patient Experiences

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!”

 

Lisa S. – United Kingdom
“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.”

 

Amanda – San Diego, CA
“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.”

 

Why Patients Near Kearny Mesa Choose 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
• Over 75,000 spinal decompression treatments performed
• 7 DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression machines in one clinic
• Founder of the Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy
• Nearly 21 years focused almost exclusively on disc and nerve conditions

 

Next Steps for Kearny Mesa Residents

If you’ve been searching How to Treat Degenerative Disc Disease Without Surgery, the next step is not waiting — it’s getting clarity.

📞 Call (619) 298-0800
📱 Text (619) 884-8298 (after hours welcome)
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com

➡️ No-charge consultation
➡️ No pressure or obligation
➡️ Bring MRI or X-rays if available

You will meet directly with Dr. Boelk to review your case and determine whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is appropriate.

📍 Minutes From Kearny Mesa
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123

 

Referral Policy

Whether referred by a medical doctor, neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist, attorney, or friend — all patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure adequate time for proper evaluation and decision-making