Lower Back Pain When Sitting Too Long – Treatment Without Surgery – San Diego, CA
Patient Experience
“My name is Ira Smith. I live in Las Vegas and found out about Dr. Boelk’s program here in San Diego and decided to start treatments with him. I’ve had lower back problems since I was very young. I had aggravated my lower back pretty bad again and usually I could do exercises, chiropractic treatment, rest and this time those things would no longer relieve my pain. I would get the sciatic pain shooting down into my leg and foot and would be pretty bad.
I found out thru my MRI’s that Dr. Boelk went over with me that I had 5 protruding discs. I did not want to get surgery as I have heard and seen that they don’t always work very well at all. I am 2/3 of the way done with Dr. Boelk’s program and I have zero pain. I pretty much go thru my activities with no pain. As I follow the program it has been absolutely fantastic! I have been thru physical therapy, chiropractic programs, I went to the hospital and they told me I have 1 bad disc, but I found out I had 4 more bad discs as well. The treatment has relieved the pain and is not painful at all. This can be the starting point for anyone with back pain to get their life back.”
— Ira Smith, Las Vegas, NV
👉 Severe multi-disc low back pain with sciatica improved significantly after failing PT, chiropractic, and medical care—and avoiding surgery.
Next Step: Low Back & Disc Evaluation — Get a Clear Answer First
If your back pain gets worse the longer you sit, the next step is not more stretching or guessing.
👉 It’s identifying what is actually causing the pressure
At our office, we begin with a Low Back & Disc Evaluation, where Dr. Boelk personally works through your case.
What You Get During This Evaluation
- Full review of your symptoms and history
- Discussion of everything you’ve already tried
- MRI review and explanation (if available)
- Identification of whether the disc is involved
- Assessment of nerve irritation or compression
- Movement testing to identify triggers (sitting, standing, bending)
- Clear explanation of your condition
- Determination if you are a candidate
What We Determine
- Is your pain disc-related
- Is nerve pressure present
- Why sitting makes your pain worse
- Whether you are a candidate
- What a customized plan would look like
- What realistic expectations should be
- Or if another path is more appropriate
👉 This evaluation is provided at no charge and gives you clarity before making any decisions.
⚠️ We only accept patients we believe we can genuinely help
⚠️ A limited number of new patient appointments are available each week
📞 619-298-0800
📱 619-884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
🕘 24/7 answering service
🗣️ Hablamos Español
Why Sitting Makes Back Pain Worse
When you sit:
- Pressure inside the spinal discs increases significantly
- The disc can shift backward toward sensitive nerves
- Blood flow and fluid exchange in the disc decrease
- Muscles tighten to protect the area
👉 Over time, this leads to:
- Increased stiffness
- Worsening pain
- More frequent flare-ups
- Pain when standing up after sitting
What This Usually Indicates
Pain with sitting often points toward:
- Disc bulge or herniation
- Increased internal disc pressure
- Nerve irritation (sciatica)
- Reduced spinal stability under load
How Treatment Actually Works (Not Just “Traction”)
True spinal decompression is precise and customized:
- Targets the exact disc level involved
- Uses specific angles based on your condition
- Applies controlled force and timing
- Gradually reduces pressure inside the disc
- Helps create space for the nerve
At our office, the DRX9000 system:
- Adjusts in real-time to your body
- Monitors muscle response to reduce guarding
- Delivers consistent, repeatable decompression
- Is backed by clinical use and research from major institutions
Why Passive + Active Care Matters
Passive care (decompression):
- Reduces pressure
- Calms nerve irritation
Active care (rehab):
- Builds core and hip stability
- Improves movement patterns
- Reduces the chance of recurrence
👉 Both are required for long-term results
🏡 What You Can Try at Home (Safely)
✅ Do:
- Stand up every 20–30 minutes
- Use lumbar support when sitting
- Keep screens at eye level
- Walk frequently throughout the day
- Stay hydrated (discs depend on fluid)
⚠️ Avoid:
- Long, uninterrupted sitting
- Slouched posture
- Aggressive forward-bending stretches
- Pushing into sharp or radiating pain
👉 These won’t fix the root cause—but they can reduce irritation while you get the right diagnosis.
Experience Matters
Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC:
- Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
- Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
- Founder – Spinal Decompression Training Academy
- Founding Member – American Spinal Decompression Society (ASDS)
- Member – International Disc Education Association
- Over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments performed
- One of the only clinics with 7 DRX9000 units
Patients travel from across the U.S. and internationally—including Mexico, the UK, and Spain—for this level of care.
Research & Clinical Support
Conservative spine care is emphasized before surgery when appropriate by:
- Johns Hopkins University
- Duke University Medical Center
- Mayo Clinic
- Stanford University School of Medicine
Clinical outcomes have shown:
- 90.5% reported pain reduction
- Improved nerve-related symptoms
- Improved daily function
Patient Experience
“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.
It was a regular routine of adjuments and excersises. A change of life patterns but 110% worth every effort. I have since had my wife, daughter, mother, father and multiple friends and clients visit Dr. Boelk. All thanking me for the referral. Last one was my firefighting friend that had horrible sciatica. He is now on the recovery train.
So without a doubt, if you are on the verge of surgery, don't do it until you give this Dr a chance to examine you 1st. He is honest, he will tell you if you are beyond repair.
I trust him with my life and my back. So should you!”
— Jayson Yavorsky, San Diego, CA
👉 Severe, life-limiting sciatica improved after failing multiple treatments and being close to surgery.
Not Everyone Is a Candidate
“Very nice Dr. and honest! I would definitely recommend anyone who hasn't had metal put in their 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.”
— Toni W., Lake Elsinore, CA
👉 Even when not a candidate, patients receive clear, honest guidance.
Request Your Low Back & Disc Evaluation
If sitting continues to trigger your pain, the next step is to understand why.
What You Get
- Clear diagnosis
- MRI review and explanation
- Understanding of your condition
- Determination if you are a candidate
- A structured plan if appropriate
👉 This evaluation is provided at no charge and gives you clarity before making any decisions.
📞 619-298-0800
📱 619-884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
🕘 24/7 answering service
🗣️ Hablamos Español
👉 Most patients wish they had done this sooner instead of continuing to deal with ongoing pain.