How to Treat Degenerative Disc Disease Without Surgery – San Diego, CA

 

If you’re searching for how to treat degenerative disc disease without surgery in San Diego, CA, you’re likely dealing with daily back or neck pain that hasn’t responded to rest, medication, physical therapy, or traditional chiropractic care. Many patients reach this point after being told that degeneration is “normal for age” or that surgery is the only remaining option.

 

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, patients work directly with Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC, a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, with nearly 21 years of experience and over 75,000 spinal decompression treatments performed. His practice focuses on helping qualified patients reduce pain, restore function, and avoid unnecessary surgery through Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) combined with targeted rehabilitation.

 

Located in Kearny Mesa, the clinic is recognized as the largest known provider of true spinal decompression in California, exclusively using DRX9000 technology — the most researched decompression system available.

 

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is not a disease in the traditional sense. It describes a process where spinal discs lose hydration, height, and structural integrity over time. As discs degenerate, they become less effective at absorbing shock and maintaining space between vertebrae.

This loss of disc height and hydration can lead to:

• Chronic neck or low back pain
• Stiffness and reduced mobility
• Nerve compression or irritation
• Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or activity
• Disc bulges or herniations developing over time

While degeneration can be age-related, pain is not inevitable — and many cases can be treated effectively without surgery when the underlying mechanics are addressed correctly.

 

Why Traditional Treatments Often Fall Short

Many patients with degenerative disc disease are offered treatments that focus only on symptoms, not the cause:

• Medication may reduce inflammation but does not restore disc health
• Injections can temporarily numb pain without correcting compression
• General chiropractic adjustments do not decompress damaged discs
• Rest alone often leads to stiffness and further degeneration

When disc height and hydration continue to decline, symptoms often return — sometimes worse than before.

 

How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Helps Degenerative Disc Disease

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression using the DRX9000 is designed to address the mechanical root of disc degeneration.

Unlike traction or inversion tables, true decompression creates a controlled negative pressure inside the disc. This allows:

• Improved disc hydration
• Reduced pressure on spinal nerves
• Better nutrient exchange within damaged discs
• Restoration of disc spacing over time

Each decompression session is precisely programmed based on MRI findings, disc level involvement, symptom patterns, and patient response — not preset or generic settings.

 

Passive Care Alone Is Not Enough — Why Rehab Matters

Degenerative disc disease does not occur in isolation. Poor movement patterns, spinal instability, and muscle imbalances often accelerate disc breakdown.

That’s why Dr. Boelk’s approach integrates:

• Passive decompression therapy to reduce disc and nerve pressure
• Active spinal stabilization protocols to protect healing discs
• Movement biomechanics education so patients stop re-injuring their spine
• Hip and core stability training to reduce spinal load
• Home care guidance to support long-term results

This combined approach helps patients not only feel better faster — but stay better.

 

Are You a Candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression?

Not everyone with degenerative disc disease qualifies for decompression care.

Candidacy is determined by:

• Imaging (MRI and X-rays)
• Disc integrity and stability
• Presence or absence of spinal hardware
• Neurological findings
• Overall movement quality and medical history

Dr. Boelk is known for being selective. If decompression is not appropriate, patients are told clearly and guided toward more appropriate care options. Many patients appreciate this honesty — especially those who have already been told “yes” everywhere else.

 

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…
Then I discovered spinal decompression therapy… I never ended up needing injections or surgery.
Now I’m walking regularly, standing up straight, and even lifting weights again… This place truly changed my life.”

 

Why Patients 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
• Founder, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy
• Over 75,000 decompression treatments performed
• 7 DRX9000 true decompression tables in one clinic
• Nearly 21 years specializing exclusively in decompression care
• Patients travel from across the U.S., Mexico, the U.K., and Spain

 

Next Steps Toward Relief

If you’re searching for how to treat degenerative disc disease without surgery in San Diego, the next step is a proper evaluation — not more waiting or guessing.

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

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

• No-charge consultation
• No obligation
• First-come, first-served scheduling

Because appointment availability is limited — and many patients travel in specifically for this level of care — securing your evaluation early ensures your case can be reviewed promptly and appropriately