Lasting Low Back Pain Relief Without Surgery – San Diego, CA
Chronic low back pain can slowly take over nearly every part of your life.
For many people in San Diego, even simple activities like sitting, standing, sleeping, driving, golfing, surfing, working out, or picking something up off the floor can become frustrating and painful.
One of the hardest parts is that many patients have already tried multiple treatments before finally finding our office.
Many arrive after trying:
- Pain medications
- Injections
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Stretching programs
- Inversion tables
- General traction machines
- Rest and activity modification
Some patients are even told surgery is their only remaining option.
However, many cases of chronic low back pain are related to compressed spinal discs, irritated joints, poor spinal mechanics, muscle imbalances, instability, and movement dysfunction — all of which require a much more comprehensive and customized approach than simply “cracking the back” or stretching more aggressively.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC specializes in helping patients with chronic low back pain through Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD), active rehabilitation, spinal stabilization, and movement correction.
Dr. Boelk is a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor, Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, and has personally performed over 75,000 spinal decompression treatments using the DRX9000 system.
Patients routinely travel from Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Alaska, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom seeking his expertise because many quickly realize that not all spinal decompression treatment is the same.
Why Low Back Pain Often Becomes Chronic
Many low back conditions do not happen overnight.
In many cases, the problem develops gradually over time due to:
- Repetitive spinal compression
- Poor posture
- Prolonged sitting
- Weak core stability
- Tight hips
- Disc degeneration
- Previous injuries
- Improper lifting mechanics
- Repeated bending and twisting
Over time, spinal discs can lose hydration and spacing while surrounding muscles become tight, guarded, and imbalanced.
As this continues, the body often develops compensation patterns that place even more stress on the spine.
This is one reason many patients feel temporary relief from basic treatment, only to have the pain continue returning.
Signs Your Low Back Pain May Be Disc-Related
While every patient is different, common signs that discs may be involved include:
- Pain sitting longer periods
- Increased pain bending forward
- Difficulty getting comfortable after sitting
- Pain traveling into the glute or leg
- Morning stiffness
- Pain coughing or sneezing
- Recurrent flare-ups
- Pain with lifting or twisting
Not every patient with these symptoms has a disc injury, which is why a proper examination is critical.
At our office, Dr. Boelk carefully evaluates whether the condition appears to involve:
- Disc compression
- Nerve irritation
- Joint dysfunction
- Instability
- Muscle imbalance
- Or another condition entirely
Not everyone is a candidate for spinal decompression treatment.
Part of the consultation process is determining whether the condition appears appropriate for care.
Why Our Office Uses the DRX9000
One of the biggest misconceptions is assuming all spinal decompression or traction systems are equal.
They are not.
At our office, we exclusively use DRX9000 spinal decompression systems because of their precision and ability to create highly customized treatment protocols.
Our office currently houses seven DRX9000 units:
- Four lumbar decompression systems
- Three cervical decompression systems
This allows our office to focus heavily on difficult spinal disc and nerve cases.
Unlike generalized traction, true Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression uses very specific settings, pull angles, and treatment protocols based on the patient’s condition and response.
The goal is to help:
- Reduce disc compression
- Reduce irritation around nerves
- Improve mobility
- Improve disc hydration
- Improve spacing in the spine
- Reduce protective muscle spasms
Many patients notice improvements in sitting tolerance, walking, sleeping, and overall movement as treatment progresses.
Why Passive Therapy Alone Is Usually Not Enough
One of the biggest reasons patients relapse is because passive therapy alone does not correct the underlying dysfunctions that contributed to the problem in the first place.
That is why Dr. Boelk integrates active rehabilitation alongside decompression whenever appropriate.
Depending on the patient, treatment may include:
- Core stabilization
- Hip strengthening
- Glute activation
- Mobility work
- Postural correction
- Spinal stability exercises
- Functional movement retraining
The goal is not simply short-term pain relief.
The goal is helping patients move better while reducing stress on the spine long term.
Real Patient Testimonials
“For years I dealt with chronic low back pain that affected almost everything I did. Sitting too long, standing too long, driving, and even sleeping became difficult. I had tried multiple therapies before finding Dr. Boelk’s office. What was different here was how thorough everything was. Dr. Boelk explained what was happening with my spine and discs in a way that finally made sense. The decompression combined with the rehab exercises made a major difference for me, and I’m incredibly grateful I found this office before going through surgery.”
— Marlo Surovsky
Summary: Marlo struggled with chronic low back pain for years before improving through customized decompression and rehabilitation.
“I had severe low back pain and sciatica that kept getting worse over time. I had gone to another office before trying Dr. Boelk’s office, and the decompression machine and treatment were nowhere near the same quality. The DRX9000 treatments felt completely different. After several treatments, I started noticing less pressure in my leg and lower back. Over time I was able to return to activities I had stopped doing because of the pain.”
— Michael Langsdale
Summary: Michael discovered firsthand that not all decompression systems or protocols are equal.
“What I appreciated most was how honest Dr. Boelk was throughout the process. He explained that not everyone qualifies for spinal decompression and that every patient requires a different approach. I never felt pressured. The office spent a lot of time evaluating everything carefully and making sure the treatment plan made sense for my condition. My pain gradually improved and I was able to get back to functioning more normally again.”
— Lisa S.
Summary: Lisa appreciated the individualized and honest approach used throughout her treatment process.
“I was extremely frustrated before finding this office because I felt like I kept getting temporary relief but never addressing the real problem. Dr. Boelk and his team explained how the discs, muscles, posture, and movement patterns all worked together. The combination of decompression and active rehab made a huge difference in my recovery. I’m thankful every day that I avoided surgery.”
— Calder Pearce
Summary: Calder improved significantly after combining decompression with movement correction and rehabilitation.
Why Patients Travel to See Dr. Boelk
Patients frequently travel from outside San Diego because of:
- Nearly 20 years specializing in decompression cases
- Over 75,000 spinal decompression treatments performed
- Exclusive use of DRX9000 technology
- Seven DRX9000 systems in-office
- Thorough evaluations
- Customized treatment protocols
- Integration of active rehabilitation
- Honest determination of candidacy
- Focus on helping patients avoid unnecessary surgery
Dr. Boelk also trains doctors nationwide through the Spinal Decompression Training Academy on proper spinal decompression protocols and procedures.
What To Do Next
If you are dealing with chronic low back pain, disc pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, or nerve symptoms and want to explore non-surgical options first, the first step is determining whether you may actually be a candidate.
Step 1:
Schedule a no-charge consultation.
Step 2:
Bring any prior MRI reports or imaging if available (not required).
Step 3:
Dr. Boelk will determine whether your condition appears appropriate for treatment.
Because of the amount of time spent evaluating these cases thoroughly, availability for new patient consultations can become limited.
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego 92123
📞 Office: 619-298-0800
📱 Call or Text: 619-884-8298
🌐 Website:
Credentials & Experience
- Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC
- Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
- Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
- Founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy
- Over 75,000 spinal decompression treatments performed
- Nearly 20 years helping patients avoid unnecessary surgery
- Exclusive use of DRX9000 spinal decompression systems
- Patients travel from across the U.S. and internationally for treatment
- Hablamos español
Please note: Regardless of referral source — including orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, medical doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, attorneys, or patient referrals — all new patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis so Dr. Boelk has adequate time to determine whether the patient is an appropriate candidate for treatment.