If your sciatica pain is shooting down your leg right now, you’re not alone — and you can often start easing the pressure at home with the right movements. These three exercises are the same ones I guide patients through in my San Diego clinic before they begin True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression using the DRX9000.
I’m Dr. Boelk, DC, a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor in San Diego. For nearly 21 years I’ve helped patients avoid injections and surgery by correcting the root cause of sciatic nerve pain through advanced decompression and a structured rehab system.
• Stand with hands on a wall
• Shift your hips toward the side opposite the painful leg
• Move slowly and repeat
Why it works:
It reduces mechanical pressure around the sciatic nerve and creates space where the nerve is irritated.
• Sit tall
• Extend your leg
• Flex your ankle
• Lift your chin slightly
Why it works:
This improves sciatic nerve mobility (“nerve flossing”) and decreases tension along the nerve pathway.
• Hold onto a counter
• Lean your hips forward
• Tilt your upper body back
• Move gently
Why it works:
It lightly decompresses the spine and reduces disc pressure — a common source of sciatic nerve irritation.
Temporary relief often means the disc is still compressed.
When a disc bulge or herniation is pressing on the nerve, exercises can help calm symptoms — but unless the disc pressure changes, flare-ups usually keep coming back.
This is where True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression becomes highly effective.
At my clinic, we use the DRX9000, the most researched and precise decompression system available. Our office features:
• 7 DRX9000 machines
• FDA-cleared True Spinal Decompression
• Completely individualized settings
• A full corrective rehab system
• Nearly 21 years of experience specializing solely in decompression
If you want to find out whether you’re a candidate, you can call or text the clinic directly.
Home exercises can reduce symptoms, but long-term relief depends on whether the disc is still compressed. If a bulging or herniated disc is causing the nerve pain, decompression is often needed to correct the root problem.
Common signs include:
• Pain worsened by sitting
• Pain down one leg
• Numbness or tingling
• Pain when leaning forward
• Relief when bending backward or walking
These are hallmark disc-related patterns we evaluate during your consultation.
Yes — when performed on a true decompression system like the DRX9000 with proper protocols. I have performed over 75,000 decompression treatments with excellent safety outcomes.
Seek professional care if:
• Pain persists longer than 1–2 weeks
• Numbness or tingling is spreading
• Walking becomes difficult
• You feel weakness in the leg or foot
• Pain keeps returning despite home exercises
These often indicate a disc that needs proper decompression to heal.
• 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 75,000 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
Sciatica caused by disc compression rarely resolves fully on its own. Early intervention leads to faster healing and better long-term results.
📞 Call (619) 298-0800
📱 Text After Hours (619) 884-8298
Schedule your no-charge consultation to see whether you qualify for DRX9000 True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.
👉 Bring MRI or X-rays if you have them
👉 No-charge, zero-obligation consultations
👉 High demand — many patients travel from out of state and overseas
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
Office: (619) 298-0800
Text Line: (619) 884-8298
Website: www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
All patients — whether referred by medical doctors, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, PTs, massage therapists, attorneys, or friends — are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure I personally determine candidacy for True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.
“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
“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 commiting to Dr. Boelk's recommended treatment plan.”
-Marlo Surovsky, San Diego, CA
“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.”
-Lisa S. United Kingdom
“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
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