Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Chronic Low Back Pain – San Diego, CA
Chronic low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions seen in adults.
When symptoms persist beyond several weeks or repeatedly return despite stretching, exercise, or temporary care, the underlying source is often not muscular alone. In many cases, the primary issue is mechanical compression within the lumbar discs.
Understanding the available non-surgical treatment options — and when each is appropriate — helps patients make informed decisions before considering more invasive procedures.
Common Causes of Chronic Low Back Pain
Persistent low back pain is frequently associated with:
• Bulging discs
• Herniated discs
• Degenerative disc changes
• Loss of disc height
• Nerve irritation
Lumbar discs are largely composed of water, collagen fibers, and proteoglycans.
Collagen provides structural strength and stability.
Hydration allows the disc to absorb load and distribute force.
When discs remain compressed over time:
• Fluid is pushed out
• Nutrient exchange decreases
• Collagen fibers remain under tension
• Microtears do not repair efficiently
• Inflammation persists
This environment slows recovery and makes symptoms more likely to recur with sitting, bending, or lifting.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Activity Modification and Home Care
Often the first step.
Includes rest, mobility work, and ergonomic changes.
Helpful for short-term flare-ups, but usually insufficient for persistent disc-related conditions.
Physical Therapy
Focuses on strengthening, mobility, and stability.
Therapy improves muscular support around the spine. However, if a disc remains mechanically compressed, strengthening alone may not fully resolve symptoms.
Chiropractic or Manual Therapy
Designed to improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness.
Many patients experience temporary relief. In cases involving disc compression, manual treatment may not directly address internal disc pressure.
Medications or Injections
May reduce inflammation or pain temporarily but do not change the mechanical forces acting on the disc.
These approaches are typically symptom-management strategies.
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD)
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression specifically targets disc compression, which is often the primary driver of chronic symptoms.
At our office, decompression is performed exclusively using the DRX9000 system, an FDA-cleared, computer-controlled device that allows precise control of force and angle.
During treatment:
Controlled unloading
The affected vertebrae are gently separated at the injured level.
Negative intradiscal pressure
A mild vacuum effect develops inside the disc.
Rehydration
Fluid, oxygen, and nutrients move back into the disc.
Collagen recovery
Reduced mechanical stress allows collagen fibers to stabilize and repair rather than remain continuously strained.
Stabilization
Strengthening exercises are added to support long-term improvements.
The goal is straightforward:
Reduce compression so the disc has an opportunity to heal.
Patient Experiences
"I came in with extreme back pain, resulting in days were it was difficult to get out of bed. There were moments where I would be walking and then my back would lock up. I thought it was something I have dealt with in the past but this last the entire month of July. I finally dedicated myself to finding the long term solution.
I came to Dr. Boelk unsure about the process, but after he identified exactly what my ailment was, I felt confident that this was the long term solution I was looking for.
I instantly felt better and Dr. Boelk kept encouraging me to trust the process and understand it will take time to feel 100%. I am now pain free and honestly feel stronger, even a little taller. I highly recommend you visit Dr. Boelk."
— Ming T., San Diego, CA
Summary: Severe daily back pain and locking episodes resolved after completing decompression care, allowing full return to normal activity.
"Dr Boelk is highly knowledgeable and has made a difference in my life.
I have a degenerative bone issue in my lower back. Spinal decompression is the only way that gives me relief all the way to my feet. I highly recommend
the Spinal Decompression center."
— Dee M., Peoria, AZ
Summary: Degenerative low back pain improved when decompression relieved pressure extending into the legs.
“Dr. Boelk and his team are the best in the business! I have had lower back problems for over 5 years and been to 6 other doctors seeking options other than surgery. I came in early January not able to bend and walking with a limp. By February I was able to bend again with minimal pain and by March I am now able to bend without any pain and am able to walk normally.
I am EXTREMELY happy I did not have surgery and found Dr. Boelk. Trust him and the process and he will get you feeling better. He also said from the beginning that if at any stage in the process he felt like progress wasn't happening he would let me know which was not the case with other specialist I have seen in the past so I appreciate that.”
— Calder Pearce, San Diego, CA
Summary: Avoided surgery and regained full mobility after completing treatment.
“I had really bad back problems to the point I couldn’t sleep, also had pain radiating along the sciatic nerve which ran down one leg from the lower back—caused by an accident.
I came in and talked to Dr. Cassidy about my back problems. He evaluated me and mentioned I was a good candidate for this treatment. After the first 2 decompression sessions my sciatic pain was gone and we were able to work on the root of the problem. I did a total of 24 sessions, after which I was able to start rehabilitation training to strengthen my core.
The office is super nice and the staff’s customer service is above and beyond.
Back and neck issues are horrible to live with—trust me, I know firsthand. I gained weight, took pain killers, went into depression, and had major anxiety. I’m over it now—feeling better, walking, sleeping well, and starting to have a better social life as well.
The experience for me has been nothing but excellent. Dr. Cassidy Boelk is hands down amazing—super glad I came here.”
— Abel T., San Diego, CA
Summary: Sciatic pain resolved early, followed by full recovery and return to normal daily life.
“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 whose only interest was 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.”
— Donnie M., San Diego, CA
Summary: Found professional, results-focused care and meaningful improvement after other treatments failed.
“Had terrible low back pain last year, had gone with a traditional chiropractor but didn’t feel it was doing much.
Went to this place and after talking to Dr Boelk decided to try spinal decompression therapy. After 3 session my pain was almost completely gone.
The staff is very professional and friendly. A big plus is how you get to go at your appointment time instead of waiting.
I would say the only negative is that is not covered by insurance so you have to pay out of pocket but it you can afford it is 100% worth it.”
— Edgar R., San Diego, CA
Summary: Experienced rapid pain reduction within the first few visits and sustained improvement.
“The Doc is the best he has brought my back from the most horrible back pain I ever had his expertise with decompression is the best and would refer him to anybody that goes through back and neck issues I am so glad I found him thank you so much Doc”
— Jose Mejia, San Diego, CA
Summary: Significant improvement from severe back pain and strong recommendation for decompression care.
About Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC
• Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
• California X-Ray Radiology Licensed Doctor
• Member, International Disc Education Association
• Founder, Spinal Decompression Training Academy
• Over 100,000 Spinal Decompression Treatments Performed
• 7 DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression Machines in One Clinic
• Largest Known Provider of Spinal Decompression in California
• Nearly 21 Years Specializing Exclusively in Decompression Care
• Rated #1 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Office in San Diego
Next Steps Toward Lasting Relief
If you’re dealing with disc pain, nerve compression, or chronic neck or back issues, now is the time to take action before your condition becomes harder to correct.
Here’s how to get started:
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Call (619) 298-0800 or text (619) 884-8298 after hours
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Schedule your no-charge consultation to find out if you qualify for DRX9000 spinal decompression
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Bring your MRI or X-rays if available
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Review your exam findings with Dr. Boelk and learn about your treatment options so you can make an informed decision
👉 Consultations are no-charge and carry no obligation.
Because availability is limited and many patients travel in from out of state and overseas, appointments fill quickly, so securing your spot early ensures timely evaluation and care.
📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 Office: (619) 298-0800
📱 Text Line: (619) 884-8298
🌐 Website: www.SanDiegoBackCare.com