Pain Relief for Back & Neck Degenerative Disc Disease in San Diego, CA

 

Living with chronic back or neck pain can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. For many patients in San Diego, the culprit is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) — a condition that develops as spinal discs lose hydration, flexibility, and height over time.

The pain can feel relentless. Sitting, standing, driving, or even using the toilet for too long can intensify discomfort. Over time, it steals sleep, productivity, and quality of life.

 

But the good news is this: most cases of Degenerative Disc Disease can be managed without surgery. At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC has helped thousands of patients find lasting relief through Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) combined with individualized therapy programs.

 

What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Despite its name, DDD is not really a disease. It’s a natural process of aging and wear, but in some people it leads to severe pain and dysfunction.

Over time, spinal discs can:

• Lose water and become thinner, reducing their cushioning ability
• Develop small cracks or tears in the outer layer
• Collapse, narrowing the space between vertebrae
• Put more pressure on spinal nerves, causing pain, tingling, or weakness

Symptoms vary depending on whether the discs affected are in the low back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine):

• Low Back DDD: Aching, stiffness, or sharp pain radiating into hips, buttocks, or legs (sciatica)
• Neck DDD: Neck stiffness, headaches, and pain that radiates into the shoulders, arms, or hands

 

Why NSSD Works for Back & Neck DDD

The problem with DDD isn’t just pain — it’s disc collapse and nerve compression. Medications and injections may mask symptoms, but they don’t fix the structural problem. Surgery is invasive, expensive, and often unnecessary.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression with the DRX9000 system directly addresses the cause:

• Creates negative pressure inside discs, pulling bulging or herniated material back into place
• Restores hydration and nutrient flow, allowing discs to heal
• Reduces nerve compression and inflammation
• Improves spinal alignment and long-term disc health

 

"After 3 sessions my pain was almost completely gone. The staff is very professional and friendly. I didn’t think it would ever heal, but even after the first session I had tremendous relief and could sleep mostly pain free for the first time in months." — Michael Langsdale

 

The Difference Between True Decompression and Traction

Every week, patients come to our office frustrated. They were told they were getting “decompression” elsewhere — but in reality, it was traction or inversion therapy.

Here’s why that matters:

• Traction: Applies general pulling force across the entire spine. Limited precision, often temporary relief.
• Inversion tables: Use gravity to stretch the spine. Relief may last minutes, not days.
• True NSSD with DRX9000: Uses precise angles, cycles, and settings individualized to the patient, based on MRI findings. Supported by clinical studies at Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Duke, and Mayo Clinic.

 

"Came in with severe sciatica and a herniated disc, and his treatments have made a world of difference. The treatments were not only highly effective but also tailored to my specific needs." — Brian Perrotta

 

Why Passive + Active Therapy Are Both Needed

NSSD is a powerful passive therapy, but lasting relief requires more. That’s why Dr. Boelk combines it with individualized active therapy:

• Passive Care (NSSD + supportive treatments):
  • Relieves disc compression
  • Reduces nerve irritation
  • Calms inflammation
• Active Care (rehab + stabilization):
  • Strengthens core and spinal support muscles
  • Corrects posture and imbalances
  • Prevents future flare-ups

 

This complete approach is why so many patients who struggled elsewhere finally find long-term results here.

 

Who Qualifies for NSSD?

Not every patient with DDD is a candidate. During your no-charge consultation, Dr. Boelk evaluates:

• MRI results and medical history
• Severity of disc degeneration
• Current symptoms and function
• Goals (return to work, sports, daily activities)

If you’re not a good fit, you’ll be referred to the right specialist. Patients appreciate this honesty — because it ensures only those who can benefit move forward.

 

Why Choose Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC

• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
• Nearly 20 years of experience avoiding unnecessary surgeries
• Over 65,000 decompression sessions performed
• Founder of the Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy
• Patients travel nationally and internationally (Mexico, UK, Spain) to see him
• Only clinic in San Diego with seven DRX9000 decompression machines
• #1 rated spinal decompression clinic in San Diego
• #1 rated spinal decompression doctor in San Diego

 

"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 will not go to anyone else for back treatment, this place is number one and they genuinely care about their patients." — Lisa S.

 

At-Home Care for Degenerative Disc Disease

While decompression and therapy provide structural healing, patients can support recovery at home by:

• Walking daily (improves circulation and disc health)
• Avoiding prolonged sitting (especially on the toilet, which increases disc pressure)
• Staying hydrated (discs are 80% water)
• Practicing core stability exercises (bridges, bird dogs)
• Using proper posture when lifting and sitting

Small daily changes add up to big results when combined with proper care.

 

Referral Policy

Patients come to us from neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, physical therapists, and primary care physicians. But all patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure Dr. Boelk has the time needed to determine if care is appropriate.

 

Act Now – Limited Availability

Because patients travel from across the country and internationally to see Dr. Boelk, space is limited. He only accepts patients he truly believes he can help.

Don’t wait for DDD to progress further. Early, specialized care can mean the difference between ongoing pain and lasting relief.

 

Schedule Your No-Charge Consultation Today

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