Non-Surgical Treatment for Spinal Stenosis – San Diego, CA
If you’ve been told you have spinal stenosis — and the pain in your back, legs, or neck keeps you from walking, standing, or doing the things you love — you’re not alone. Spinal stenosis is one of the most common spine conditions seen in our office. It can cause deep, aching pain, numbness, or weakness that limits your mobility and independence.
The good news is, in most cases, surgery is not the only answer.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC, specializes in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) — a proven, research-supported treatment that gently relieves spinal pressure, reduces nerve irritation, and helps patients return to normal, active lives without drugs, injections, or surgery.
Understanding Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal or the spaces where nerves exit the spine become narrowed, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
This pressure can cause:
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Pain, tingling, or weakness in the legs
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Burning or numbness in the feet
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Cramping or heaviness when walking or standing
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Relief when bending forward or sitting down
In short, it’s a mechanical compression problem — and for many patients, a mechanical solution like spinal decompression can offer the most effective and lasting relief.
What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
There are several common causes, including:
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Degenerative disc disease (loss of disc height and water content)
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Bone spurs or arthritis narrowing the spinal canal
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Herniated or bulging discs pressing against nerves
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Postural or structural imbalances increasing pressure on the spine
Over time, the discs flatten, the joints stiffen, and the nerves have less room — creating the pain, tingling, or heaviness you may feel when standing or walking for long periods.
How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) Helps
NSSD is designed specifically to address the root cause of spinal stenosis — nerve compression and disc collapse.
The therapy gently stretches the spine in a precise, computer-controlled manner, creating negative pressure inside the discs.
This process:
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Reduces pressure on compressed nerves
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Draws oxygen, water, and nutrients back into the disc
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Promotes healing of injured or degenerated discs
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Restores spinal spacing and mobility
Each session is comfortable, relaxing, and completely non-invasive. You remain fully clothed and most patients describe it as a “pressure release” that provides gradual relief over time.
Our office uses only the FDA-cleared DRX9000 systems, the gold standard in decompression technology — researched by Stanford University, Johns Hopkins, Duke Medical Center, and the Mayo Clinic.
What Makes Dr. Boelk’s Approach Different
Dr. Boelk is not only a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, but also the Founder & Director of the HealthScience Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he trains doctors nationwide in advanced decompression protocols and clinical techniques.
At our San Diego clinic, we use 7 DRX9000 decompression systems — making us one of the largest and most experienced centers in California. Every treatment plan is customized for the individual patient and often combined with:
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Gentle warm-up therapies to relax muscles
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Cryotherapy (cold therapy) and electrical stimulation post-treatment
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Core stabilization and mobility training when appropriate
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Ergonomic and posture coaching for daily movement
Patients are never rushed. Every case is personally evaluated and managed by Dr. Boelk to ensure safety, comfort, and results.
What You Can Do at Home
While in-office care is essential for lasting results, you can start supporting your recovery today with these simple steps:
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Walk in short intervals – Even 5–10 minutes at a time improves circulation and reduces stiffness.
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Avoid long periods of sitting or standing – Alternate positions every 20–30 minutes.
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Use a slight forward posture when walking – Leaning forward slightly can temporarily open up spinal space and reduce nerve tension.
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Gentle hip and core stretching – This can ease tightness and improve movement quality.
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Stay hydrated and maintain good posture – Dehydrated discs are more prone to compression.
These small actions can make a big difference while your spine is healing.
Real Patient Results
“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
“I was so tired of being in pain and felt I had tried all resources. After two unsuccessful cortisone shots in my back (cash out of pocket) recommended by my primary care doctor who assured me that would do the trick, I began asking people about their experience with back surgery. Even my primary care doctor said it might have to be considered. I wanted to stay as far away from the knife as possible.
Sometimes Google is magic...I began to explore other options and found many useful information on spinal decompression. It is not a quick fix. Healing takes time and patience. I am so grateful I found Dr. Boelk and staff at the Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Center. Of course his 5-star reviews intrigued me (and he deserves every one of those 5-star reviews).
After a consultation where I never felt rushed and I FELT HEARD I decided to commit to a treatment plan.
I am now pain free after 18 treatments. I plan to continue a maintenance routine as part of my self-care goals moving forward and I'm finally feeling zero discomfort.
No meds. Just committing to Dr. Boelk's recommended treatment plan.”
— Marlo Surovsky, San Diego, CA
“I travel from the UK to see Dr Boelk and his wonderful team. I have 3 bulging discs and one is touching the nerve. I have the spinal decompression treatment and it really helps keep me in my active life. I will not go to anyone else for back treatment, this place is number one and they genuinely care about their patients.”
— Lisa S., United Kingdom
“The care I received at Dr. Boelk’s office was so wonderful. I went from having to lay down for several hours a day, to being able to live my life normally, and even began working up my exercise capacity. I always felt cared about, and there was a lot of feedback. The exercise and information Dr. Boelk provides is so critical to maintaining positive results and pain reduction with increased mobility and freedom. All the staff are so caring, and it’s one of the best decisions I made for my back!”
— Kaitelyn H., San Diego, CA
Why Acting Soon Matters
Spinal stenosis is a progressive condition — meaning it can worsen if not properly treated.
The longer the nerves remain compressed, the harder they are to calm down. Early intervention often leads to faster, longer-lasting results.
Because every decompression protocol is customized and Dr. Boelk personally oversees each patient’s care, appointments are limited and scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure the highest level of individual attention.
If you’ve been told surgery is your only option, or you’ve tried everything else with limited success — there’s still hope.
Next Step Toward Relief
If you’re in San Diego and struggling with spinal stenosis, take the next step today and schedule a no-charge consultation to see if you qualify for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression with Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC.
📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 Call 619-298-0800 | 📱 Text 619-884-8298
🌐 Visit www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
Appointments are limited. Early scheduling ensures your case is evaluated promptly and you receive priority placement for care.
About Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC
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Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
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Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
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Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
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Founder & Director, HealthScience Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy
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Over 75,000 decompression treatments performed
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20 years of experience helping patients avoid back and neck surgery
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Patients travel from Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom for his care
