Lasting Non-Surgical Pain Relief for Disc Herniations – San Diego, CA
For many people diagnosed with a disc herniation, the first thought is often surgery. Unfortunately, in most cases, surgery is unnecessary—and even when it’s performed, relief is often temporary or incomplete. Scar tissue, continued disc degeneration, and unaddressed muscle imbalances frequently lead to recurring pain.
That said, there are certain situations where surgery is truly needed, such as severe neurological deficits, loss of bowel or bladder control, or structural instability. In those cases, we refer patients to trusted surgeons right away. But for the majority of patients we see at The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, there is a safer, more effective, and longer-lasting option—Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD).
Why Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Works So Well
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) is a highly specialized therapy designed to gently and precisely reduce pressure inside the spinal discs. This negative pressure can allow herniated or bulging disc material to retract, reduce nerve compression, and restore nutrient and fluid exchange to the injured disc—helping it to heal from the inside out.
The key word here is precise. Not all decompression is the same. In fact, there is a vast and wide array of what is marketed as “spinal decompression.”
The Problem with “Look-Alike” Decompression
Every week, we see patients who were told they were getting spinal decompression—only to find out they were actually receiving traction. While traction may stretch the spine, it lacks the advanced technology, specific pull patterns, and targeted protocols that true spinal decompression provides.
Even worse, many of these treatments are performed with zero active therapy and very little clinical decision-making. The patient lies on the table, gets a generic treatment, and leaves—no specific adjustments to the machine, no tailored exercise program, no real plan to address why the disc was injured in the first place.
This is why many people “try decompression” elsewhere and think it doesn’t work—because they never actually received it.
Why Our Approach Is Different
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, our process is completely different.
- We use only DRX9000 machines, the most researched and proven decompression technology available—backed by clinical studies from Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, Duke Medical Center, and the Mayo Clinic.
- We have 7 DRX9000 units, making us the largest known NSSD provider in California, with over 65,000 treatments performed.
- Every treatment is customized—pull angle, force, hold times, and release times are adjusted for each patient’s condition and progress.
- Every case is personally overseen by Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC, a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist with nearly 20 years of experience helping patients avoid back surgery.
- We combine decompression with active therapy—specific corrective and stabilizing exercises to address muscle imbalances, posture issues, and core weakness, so results last long-term.
Why Dr. Boelk Gets Results Where Others Don’t
Dr. Boelk has spent thousands of hours rehabbing both his own spinal injuries and those of his patients. Having personally recovered from a broken back and disc injuries, he understands what it’s like to be in constant pain—and how frustrating it is when treatments fail.
His protocols are built on:
- Years of clinical experience treating disc herniations without surgery.
- Advanced understanding of biomechanics, stability training, and rehabilitation.
- A proven system that integrates both passive and active therapies for long-term relief.
This is why patients drive and fly in from Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, the UK, Spain, and Mexico—because they’ve heard about the results, and they want their life back.
If You’ve Tried “Decompression” Before and It Didn’t Work
There’s a good chance you didn’t receive true spinal decompression—and the difference matters. The wrong equipment, lack of proper protocols, and failure to combine treatment with active therapy can all lead to disappointing results.
In our office, we correct all of that. That’s why we routinely see success with patients who have been told elsewhere that nothing more can be done.
Take the First Step
If you’ve been told you need surgery—or if you’ve tried other treatments without lasting relief—there may still be an option to avoid the operating room.
We offer no-charge consultations to determine whether you’re a candidate for NSSD. This gives you the opportunity to get a clear, honest assessment and learn exactly what your treatment plan would look like—before you commit to anything.
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
📍 5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92123
📞 Office: 619-298-0800 | Cell: 619-884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
Credentials & Achievements:
- Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
- Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
- Founder, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy
- Over 65,000 decompression treatments performed
- Patients from across the U.S. and internationally
- Referrals from neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, physical therapists, and more
- Patients seen on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure enough time for proper evaluation
Dr. Boelk is professional and kind. He has the health of his patients as his top priority. The decompression treatments, exercises, and diet adjustments he recommended and administered have so diminished my back pain that I can sleep again. Chiropractic adjustments did not help my lower back. Decompression did. I highly recommend Dr. Boelk."
— Steve R. San Diego Spinal Decompression Therapy+2San Diego Spinal Decompression Therapy+2San Diego Spinal Decompression Therapy+2
"Dr. Boelk is thorough, technical, and explains everything very well. Excellent bedside manner and all the staff are very nice. Decompression treatment is effective and I have no more neck pain."
— Andre G. San Diego Spinal Decompression Therapy+2San Diego Spinal Decompression Therapy+2San Diego Spinal Decompression Therapy+2
"Dr. Boelk & his staff are by far the BEST at spinal decompression. I walked into his office unable to sit to do my job, and within a couple of weeks, he helped me with being able to sit again. His attention to you & the way he will make you feel is unparalleled."
— Erin T., San Diego San Diego Spinal Decompression Therapy+2San Diego Spinal Decompression Therapy+2San Diego Spinal Decompression Therapy+2
"After suffering from debilitating sciatica for months, I found relief with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) at Dr. Boelk's clinic. I was able to run my 50k race after we fixed me up!"
— Pamela San Diego Spinal Decompression Therapy
"I was referred to Dr. Boelk after struggling with chronic lower back pain for years. The spinal decompression treatments were life-changing. Within weeks, I felt like myself again."
— Jessica C., San Diego San Diego Spinal Decompression Therapy
"Dr. Boelk has been a life saver. Have had constant lower back and sciatica pain for over 8 plus months, no pills helped and on track for multiple shots but with the treatment given I have found relief and down to zero pain. As a firefighter that relies on his body to help others and the results I have experienced it's totally worth looking into what Dr. Boelk can do for you."
— Joshua T. San Diego Spinal Decompression Therapy
"There is not enough room to explain the relief Dr. Boelk has brought to me and my entire family. I found him after a year of sciatic pain. Couldn't play the sports I loved, no hockey, golf or surfing. The pain shooting from my hip to my left foot was to the point of unbearable. I had been visiting chiropractors since I was 18, temporary relief, but nothing consistent. Acupuncture helped a bit, physical therapy was unmanageable. I couldn't get a solid night sleep and didn't care to go on. But Then I met the Dr! I tell people regularly, he saved my life."
— Jayson Yavorsky San Diego Spinal Decompression Therapy