I Can Barely Walk Because of Sciatica – San Diego, CA
A Complete Guide to Understanding Your Symptoms, Why Sciatica Can Become So Severe, and How to Find Out If You're a Candidate for Non-Surgical Treatment
Real Patient. Real Results.
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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 two 45-minute workouts every 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."
Can You Barely Walk Because of Sciatica?
Find Out If You're a Candidate.
If you're reading this because every step hurts, getting out of bed has become a struggle, or you're wondering if back surgery is your only option, you're not alone.
Every week, Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC evaluates patients throughout San Diego who are experiencing severe sciatica. Many arrive barely able to walk. Some are leaning to one side because they can't stand up straight. Others are relying on pain medication just to make it through the day. Some already have appointments scheduled for spinal injections or surgical consultations because they believe they've run out of options.
While surgery is absolutely the right choice for some people, many patients are surprised to learn that severe sciatica doesn't automatically mean surgery is necessary.
The first step isn't deciding what treatment you need.
The first step is finding out what's causing your sciatica.
That's exactly what Dr. Boelk focuses on during every new patient evaluation.
Unlike many offices, not every patient is accepted for spinal decompression treatment.
Every patient receives an individualized evaluation before treatment recommendations are made.
During your visit, Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC may:
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Review your MRI if you've already had one.
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Perform a thorough orthopedic and neurological examination.
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Obtain digital X-rays if additional imaging is necessary.
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Explain what's actually causing your symptoms.
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Discuss all appropriate treatment options.
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Answer your questions so you understand exactly what's going on.
If Dr. Boelk believes you're a good candidate for spinal decompression, he'll explain why.
If he believes another treatment—or even surgery—is in your best interest, he'll tell you that too.
That philosophy has helped patients throughout San Diego trust our office for more than 22 years.
Due to patient demand, only a limited number of No-Charge Consultations are available each week.
Why Can Sciatica Become So Severe?
One of the biggest misconceptions about sciatica is that the amount of pain tells you how badly your spine is damaged.
In reality, that's often not true.
A relatively small disc herniation pressing directly against a spinal nerve can create excruciating pain. On the other hand, someone with a much larger disc herniation may experience surprisingly little discomfort.
The same can be true with spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, foraminal stenosis, facet joint arthritis, or inflammation surrounding the sciatic nerve.
Pain is important, but pain alone doesn't tell the entire story.
That's why Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC spends so much time listening to each patient's history, reviewing imaging studies, performing a physical examination, and making sure everything fits together before recommending treatment.
The goal isn't simply treating pain.
The goal is identifying why the pain developed in the first place.
What Actually Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica isn't a diagnosis.
It's a symptom.
The real diagnosis is whatever is irritating the sciatic nerve.
Some of the most common causes include:
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Herniated discs
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Bulging discs
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Extruded discs
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Degenerative disc disease
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Lumbar spinal stenosis
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Foraminal stenosis
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Degenerative spondylolisthesis
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Facet joint arthritis
Although these conditions often create similar symptoms, they don't all require the same treatment.
That's why trying to diagnose yourself based on Google searches—or even based solely on your MRI report—can sometimes lead you in the wrong direction.
Two patients may both have severe pain traveling down the same leg, yet the underlying cause may be completely different.
That's why an accurate diagnosis always comes before treatment.
Should You Be Worried If You Can Barely Walk?
The short answer is...
Sometimes.
If you're experiencing severe pain but still have normal strength, normal bowel and bladder function, and no progressive neurological changes, conservative treatment is often appropriate.
However, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention.
These include:
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Loss of bowel or bladder control.
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Numbness in the groin or saddle area.
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Rapidly worsening leg weakness.
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Significant foot drop.
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Severe trauma.
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Fever associated with back pain.
Fortunately, most people suffering from severe sciatica do not have these emergency conditions.
They simply need an accurate diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan.
That's exactly what Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC has specialized in providing for more than two decades at The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego.
Do I Need Surgery for Sciatica?
If you've reached the point where you can barely walk because of sciatica, it's normal to wonder if surgery is your only option.
For some people, surgery is absolutely the right choice.
For many others, it isn't.
The challenge is knowing the difference.
That's why one of the most important parts of your evaluation isn't deciding whether you need spinal decompression—it's determining what's actually causing your sciatica and whether you're a candidate for conservative treatment.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, every patient is personally evaluated by Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC before treatment recommendations are made.
If Dr. Boelk believes you're a good candidate for spinal decompression, he'll explain why.
If he believes another treatment—or even surgery—is in your best interest, he'll tell you that too.
That philosophy has helped thousands of patients make informed decisions about their care.
Real Patient. Real Results.
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Jayson Yavorsky – San Diego, CA
"There isn't enough room to fully explain the relief Dr. Boelk has brought to me and my family.
I found him after suffering from severe sciatica for more than a year. The pain shot from my hip all the way down to my left foot and became almost unbearable. I could no longer enjoy the activities I loved, including hockey, golf, and surfing.
Over the years, I had seen numerous chiropractors and experienced only temporary relief. Acupuncture helped somewhat, physical therapy was difficult to tolerate, and nothing seemed to provide lasting results. I couldn't sleep well, and my quality of life was steadily declining.
Then I met Dr. Boelk.
Through a structured treatment plan, adjustments, rehabilitation exercises, and lifestyle modifications, my life completely changed.
To this day, I tell people that Dr. Boelk saved my life.
Since my own recovery, I have referred my wife, daughter, mother, father, numerous friends, and many clients to his office. Every one of them has thanked me for the recommendation.
If you are considering surgery, I strongly encourage you to have Dr. Boelk evaluate your condition first.
What I respect most is his honesty. If he believes you are not a candidate or that another option would be better, he will tell you.
I trust him with my life and with my back."
Why Do Some People Recover While Others Continue to Struggle?
One of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing only on where the pain is instead of why it's there.
Sciatica isn't the actual problem.
It's a symptom.
The real question is what is irritating the sciatic nerve?
Some of the most common causes include:
-
Herniated discs
-
Bulging discs
-
Extruded discs
-
Degenerative disc disease
-
Foraminal stenosis
-
Lumbar spinal stenosis
-
Degenerative spondylolisthesis
Although these conditions can all create similar leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, they often require different treatment approaches.
That's why receiving the correct diagnosis is so important.
How Do You Choose the Right Spinal Decompression Office?
Not every office offering spinal decompression has the same experience, equipment, or philosophy.
Here are a few questions worth asking before beginning treatment.
Does the Doctor Personally Evaluate Every Patient?
At our office, every new patient is personally evaluated by Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC before any treatment recommendations are made.
Does the Doctor Review Your MRI?
If you've already had an MRI, Dr. Boelk personally reviews your imaging with you and explains what he sees in language that's easy to understand.
Is Every Patient Given the Same Treatment Plan?
No.
Every treatment plan is individualized based on your examination, imaging, symptoms, and diagnosis.
Does the Office Tell Patients When They're NOT Candidates?
Absolutely.
One of the biggest reasons patients trust our office is because we don't recommend spinal decompression for everyone.
If another treatment—or surgery—is more appropriate, we'll tell you.
Honest Recommendations Matter
One of our favorite reviews wasn't written by someone who completed treatment.
It was written by someone we didn't accept as a candidate.
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Jan H. – San Marcos, CA
"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 seeking another opinion from a neurosurgeon.
My experience was that he really cares and he's not someone who would take advantage of the situation someone is in. I will definitely be back and already recommended him to others."
We believe reviews like this say just as much about our office as the success stories.
Sometimes the right answer is treatment.
Sometimes the right answer is waiting.
Sometimes it's surgery.
Our responsibility is helping you determine which one is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can severe sciatica improve without surgery?
Yes. Many patients improve with conservative treatment. Others require surgery. The first step is determining which category you fall into.
Do I need an MRI before my appointment?
Not necessarily. If you've already had one, we'll review it. If additional imaging is needed, Dr. Boelk will discuss that with you during your evaluation.
What if I've already tried chiropractic care, physical therapy, or injections?
Many of our patients have. Every treatment works differently, so an evaluation is necessary to determine whether spinal decompression may still be appropriate.
What if I'm not a candidate?
We'll tell you.
Not every patient who visits our office begins spinal decompression treatment, and we believe that's one of the reasons we've earned the trust of so many patients over the past 22 years.
Find Out If You're a Candidate
Choosing the right treatment starts with choosing the right diagnosis.
If you've been living with sciatica and wondering whether spinal decompression could help, we'd be happy to answer your questions and determine whether you're a candidate.
During Your No-Charge Consultation, Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC May:
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✓ Review your MRI (if you've already had one)
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✓ Perform a thorough orthopedic and neurological examination
-
✓ Take digital X-rays if additional imaging is necessary
-
✓ Explain what's causing your symptoms
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✓ Determine whether you're a candidate for spinal decompression
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✓ Discuss all appropriate treatment options
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✓ Answer your questions so you can make an informed decision
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
Call: (619) 298-0800
Due to patient demand, only a limited number of No-Charge Consultations are available each week. Contact our office today to find out if you're a candidate for non-surgical spinal decompression.