Kearny Mesa Surgical Alternatives for Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a common condition affecting many individuals, especially those over 40. While the term might sound alarming, it’s not a disease but rather a condition that describes the wear and tear of spinal discs over time. These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, providing flexibility and absorbing shock. As they deteriorate, they can cause pain, reduced mobility, and nerve compression.
What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease?
DDD typically occurs due to aging, but other factors like repetitive stress, injury, or poor posture can accelerate the process. Over time, the discs lose hydration and elasticity, leading to reduced cushioning. This can result in:
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Chronic back or neck pain.
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Pain radiating into the arms or legs.
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Reduced range of motion.
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Muscle weakness or numbness due to nerve compression.
What You Can Do at Home to Help DDD
While professional care is often necessary for advanced cases, there are steps you can take at home to help manage the symptoms:
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Stretching: Gentle stretches can help maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness. Focus on hamstrings, hip flexors, and lower back muscles.
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Core Strengthening Exercises: Building a strong core can help support the spine and reduce pressure on the discs.
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Posture Awareness: Proper posture while sitting, standing, and lifting can minimize strain on the spine.
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Stay Active: Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can improve circulation and support spinal health.
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Heat and Ice Therapy: Applying heat can reduce muscle tension, while ice can alleviate inflammation.
Why Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) Works So Well for DDD
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, located in Kearny Mesa, we specialize in treating degenerative disc disease using Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD). NSSD is a gentle, FDA-cleared therapy designed to relieve pressure on the spinal discs and allow them to heal naturally.
The DRX 9000, the gold standard for spinal decompression, is the cornerstone of our treatment. Here’s why it’s so effective:
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It creates negative pressure within the disc, which helps retract herniated or bulging disc material and allows nutrients to flow back in.
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It reduces nerve compression, alleviating pain and restoring function.
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It’s non-invasive, meaning no surgery or long recovery times.
We have seven DRX 9000 machines, making us the largest provider of NSSD in California. Due to the demand for our services, we often have a waiting list for appointments—a testament to the effectiveness of our treatments.
Why We Also Incorporate Active Therapy
While NSSD addresses the root cause of pain, passive therapy alone is not enough for long-term results. That’s why we also incorporate active therapy into our treatment plans. This includes specific exercises to:
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Improve spinal biomechanics.
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Enhance posture.
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Strengthen the core and stabilizing muscles.
This combination of passive decompression and active therapy ensures that our patients achieve lasting relief and regain their quality of life.
Why Choose Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC?
Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC, founder of The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, has nearly 20 years of experience helping patients avoid surgery and find relief from debilitating conditions. As a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, Dr. Boelk has performed over 50,000 decompression sessions and is recognized as an expert in the field.
Dr. Boelk also trains doctors worldwide on NSSD protocols and how to achieve the best outcomes for their patients. Patients fly in from across the country and abroad—from places like Mexico, Canada, the UK, and Spain—seeking his expertise.
Real Patient Testimonials
Here’s what some of our patients have to say about their experience:
This place is amazing, the staff is friendly and I'd recommend this place to anyone who needs it.
I recently discharged from the military with quite a few injuries, and extremely bad back pain. Since then I have seen dozens of incompetent doctors that have had no real interest in treating me, only interest is selling me the next pill or vaccine.
Dr. Boelk is not one of those doctors, this man is professional/ knowledgeable and truly cares about his patients. I have had nothing short of a great experience in this office. His nurse Megan is also very polite and caring for their patients.
These days it is very difficult to find a genuine medical professional, so when I do find them I feel that the world needs to know. This man is a good dude.
Very nice Dr. and Honest ! I would definitely recommend anyone who hasn't had metal put in there back in a surgery to go to him and give his program a shot. I believe it would definitely help. Just not in my personal case. As I have a lot of hardware in my back. But I'm glad I took the time to meet with him. It was very informative all around.
Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief
If you’re struggling with degenerative disc disease and searching for a surgical alternative, contact us today. Our personalized treatment plans and state-of-the-art technology can help you get back to living your life.
About Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC
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Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
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Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
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Nearly 20 years of experience treating patients and helping them avoid surgery
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Over 50,000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression sessions performed
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Largest known provider of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) in California
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Founder and Director of The Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy, training doctors worldwide
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Patients travel nationally and internationally to seek his care
Experience the difference of expert care and advanced technology. Take the first step toward living pain-free today! Call us at 619-298-0800 or visit our website at www.SanDiegoBackCare.com.
To start I never thought I would say that I would be pain free.
But Dr. Boelk worked his magic.
With his expertise and specific game plan for me, he worked wonders.
During my weekly visits he made sure to check up on me from my previous visit along with my workout from the day of.
Dr. Boelk is an athlete himself, so understands the stress and everything that comes along with working out with any exercise or sport.
He made sure to modify my workouts to work for me so I wouldn't be taking steps backwards along with his treatment.
Again pain free and never going back to pain meds.
Also with the help of his wonderful staff, they made the whole process of check ins and treatments quite easy.
Even after moving across the country he keeps up with his clients and looks out for their future.