My MRI Says I Have a Herniated Disc. Do I Need Surgery? – La Jolla, CA

What Patients in La Jolla Should Know Before Making a Decision

If you've recently had an MRI and were told you have a herniated disc, it's normal to feel overwhelmed.

Many people immediately begin asking themselves questions like:

• Do I need surgery?

• Can this heal on its own?

• Is this what's causing my pain?

• Should I get a second opinion?

The truth is, an MRI can provide valuable information—but it doesn't automatically determine the best treatment for your condition.

Every week, we meet patients from La Jolla who come to our office after being told they have a herniated disc, bulging disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. Many have already completed physical therapy, tried medications, received spinal injections, or visited multiple providers before deciding to learn more about their options.

One of the first things we explain is this:

An MRI doesn't treat patients. Doctors do.

That may sound obvious, but it's an important distinction.

An MRI shows us what your spine looks like. It doesn't tell us whether those findings are actually responsible for your pain, how much your symptoms are affecting your life, or whether surgery is truly necessary.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

Between each vertebra is a spinal disc that acts as both a cushion and a shock absorber.

When the outer portion of the disc weakens or tears, some of the inner material can push outward. This is called a herniated disc.

If that disc begins irritating or compressing a nearby spinal nerve, it may cause symptoms such as:

• Low back pain

• Sciatica

• Pain into the buttock

• Leg pain

• Numbness or tingling

• Muscle weakness

However, not every herniated disc causes pain.

In fact, many people have herniated or bulging discs and never know it because the disc isn't irritating a nerve.

That's why it's so important not to panic simply because your MRI mentions a herniated disc.

Why MRI Findings Don't Always Match Your Symptoms

One of the biggest surprises for many patients is learning that MRI findings and symptoms don't always correlate.

We've evaluated patients with large herniated discs who report very little discomfort.

We've also seen patients with relatively small disc bulges who can barely sit, walk, sleep, or enjoy everyday activities because of severe nerve irritation.

The size of a herniated disc doesn't always determine how much pain someone experiences.

Its location, the amount of inflammation around the nerve, and how your body responds all play important roles.

That's one reason experienced clinicians don't simply read an MRI report and immediately recommend surgery.

Instead, they compare the MRI with your symptoms, physical examination, neurological findings, and overall health before making treatment recommendations.

The MRI Is Only One Piece of the Puzzle

A thorough evaluation should answer questions such as:

• Does your pain actually match what the MRI shows?

• Is the affected nerve producing your symptoms?

• Are there signs of muscle weakness or neurological loss?

• How long have your symptoms been present?

• What treatments have you already tried?

• Is your condition improving, staying the same, or getting worse?

Only after considering the complete picture can an informed treatment recommendation be made.

That's why we never recommend treatment based solely on an MRI report.

Our goal is to treat the patient—not simply the image.

When Is Surgery Actually Necessary?

This is probably the question we hear more than any other.

"My MRI says I have a herniated disc...does that mean I need surgery?"

The answer is...

Not necessarily.

Many patients with herniated discs improve with conservative treatment and never require surgery. Others may ultimately become appropriate surgical candidates because of the severity of their symptoms or neurological findings.

The important point is that the decision shouldn't be made by your MRI alone.

It should be made after carefully considering your symptoms, physical examination, neurological testing, and imaging together.

When Should You Consider a Surgical Consultation?

While every case is different, surgery may become appropriate if someone develops:

• Progressive muscle weakness

• Loss of bowel or bladder control

• Numbness in the groin or saddle region

• Significant neurological deficits

• Persistent pain that continues to severely affect daily life despite appropriate conservative treatment

Fortunately, many patients never reach that point.

That's why it's often reasonable to fully understand your conservative treatment options before making a decision about surgery.

Real Patient Story: "I Was Told I Needed a Two-Level Neck Fusion"

Jerry came to our office after multiple treatments failed and specialists told him the only remaining option was neck surgery.

"I went to Dr. Boelk to treat a pinched nerve in my neck that was causing my fingers to go numb and I was losing strength in one of my arms. I had already tried several different treatments and was told by specialists that the only solution was to remove two vertebrae from my neck and fuse that portion of my cervical spine.

After a thorough consultation, I decided to move forward with spinal decompression. For me, it took about 12 treatments over one month, and I was back to doing all of the active things I enjoy—with no pain, no numbness, and no invasive surgery.

I would highly recommend anyone dealing with neck pain or nerve issues to at least schedule a consultation."

— Jerry Devon

Every patient is different, and no treatment can guarantee the same outcome. However, stories like Jerry's remind us why it's important to understand all appropriate treatment options before deciding on surgery.

Can a Herniated Disc Heal Without Surgery?

In many cases, it can.

Research has shown that some herniated discs gradually decrease in size over time as the body naturally breaks down and reabsorbs part of the damaged disc material.

That doesn't happen in every patient, and it doesn't mean every herniated disc will completely heal.

It does mean that seeing the words "herniated disc" on your MRI does not automatically mean surgery is your only option.

We Don't Believe Every Patient Is a Candidate

One of the things that makes our office different is that we don't believe spinal decompression is right for everyone.

Over the past 22 years, we've evaluated thousands of patients with herniated discs and other spinal conditions. Some have been excellent candidates for non-surgical spinal decompression.

Others have not.

If we believe another treatment—or even surgery—is the better option, we'll tell you.

Our responsibility isn't to convince you to begin treatment.

It's to help you understand your diagnosis, explain your options, and determine whether you're actually a candidate for conservative care.

Real Patient Story: "More Than Two Years Later, I'm Still Living Without Surgery"

Kevin came to our office with severe lower back pain, sciatica, numbness, and weakness after believing surgery might be his only option.

"I had excruciating lower back pain that radiated down my right leg with numbness, burning into my foot, and weakness that caused me to limp. Even sleeping was difficult, and I honestly thought surgery was my only option.

After researching spinal decompression, I scheduled an evaluation with Dr. Boelk. By the day after my first treatment, my pain had already improved dramatically. About halfway through my treatment plan, the tightness and pain started melting away, and my leg symptoms completely resolved.

It's now been more than two years, and I'm living a normal, active life with more than 90% relief and zero surgery."

— Kevin Michael

Why Patients From La Jolla Choose Our Office

Choosing the right treatment begins with choosing the right evaluation.

Patients from La Jolla and throughout San Diego choose The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego because we offer:

• More than 22 years specializing in non-surgical spinal decompression

• More than 100,000 spinal decompression treatments performed

• Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic

• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor

• California X-Ray Radiology Licensed Doctor

• Every patient receives an individualized evaluation

• We don't believe every patient is a candidate

• Honest recommendations based on your diagnosis—not sales pressure

A Personal Message From Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping patients understand their condition.

Many people come into our office convinced that because their MRI says they have a herniated disc, surgery is inevitable. Sometimes that's true—but many times it isn't.

Before making a decision that could permanently change your spine, I believe it's important to fully understand your diagnosis, your treatment options, and whether you're actually a candidate for conservative care.

My commitment has always been simple: provide an honest evaluation, answer your questions, and recommend the treatment I genuinely believe is in your best interest—even if that means referring you somewhere else.

Find Out If You're a Candidate

Not everyone with a herniated disc is a candidate for non-surgical spinal decompression.

Likewise, not everyone with a herniated disc needs surgery.

The purpose of your evaluation is to determine which treatment is most appropriate for your condition.

During your evaluation, we'll:

• Review your symptoms and medical history

• Perform a thorough orthopedic and neurological examination

• Review your MRI and any X-rays you've had

• Determine whether you're a candidate for spinal decompression

• Explain all appropriate treatment options

• Answer your questions so you can make an informed decision

If we don't believe you're a candidate...

We'll tell you.

If we believe another conservative treatment is more appropriate, we'll explain why.

If we believe you should see a spine surgeon or another specialist, we'll recommend that instead.

Our goal is simple:

To help you make the right treatment decision—not simply recommend treatment.

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The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego

Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC

5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: (619) 298-0800

Why patients choose our office:

• More than 22 years specializing in spinal decompression

• More than 100,000 spinal decompression treatments performed

• Every patient receives an individualized evaluation

• We don't believe every patient is a candidate

• Honest recommendations with no sales pressure

• Complimentary No-Charge Consultation

• Live 24/7 phone answering

• Spanish-speaking team members