Pinched Nerve Treatment Without Surgery – San Diego, CA
A pinched nerve in the spine can cause severe pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, legs, neck, or lower back. Many people in San Diego searching for answers are often told that medications, injections, or surgery may be their only options.
In many cases, however, a pinched nerve can be treated without surgery when the root cause of the nerve compression is properly identified.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC specializes in treating spinal disc conditions that lead to nerve compression using Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) with the DRX9000 system.
Dr. Boelk has spent nearly 21 years focusing on spinal decompression care and has performed over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments, helping patients relieve nerve pressure and return to normal activities without invasive procedures.
What Is a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is placed on a nerve by surrounding structures in the spine.
This pressure may come from:
• Disc bulges
• Disc herniations
• Degenerating spinal discs
• Loss of disc height
• Joint inflammation
• Spinal compression
When discs lose height or shift out of position, they can press directly on nearby nerves, causing symptoms that may travel down the arms or legs.
Many people think they simply have “back pain,” when in reality they are dealing with nerve compression originating from the spinal discs.
Common Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve
Pinched nerves in the spine can produce a wide range of symptoms depending on the location of the compression.
Common symptoms include:
• Sharp or burning pain in the neck or lower back
• Pain radiating down the arm or leg
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty sitting or standing for long periods
• Pain that worsens with movement
For some patients, the pain can become severe enough to interfere with sleep, walking, work, and normal daily activities.
Why Many Pinched Nerves Are Actually Disc Problems
One of the most common causes of nerve compression in the spine is disc damage.
Spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. When these discs become injured, they may bulge outward or herniate, placing pressure on nearby nerves.
Over time, disc compression can also cause:
• Reduced disc height
• Increased joint stress
• Muscle imbalance
• Ongoing nerve irritation
Simply masking the pain with medication does not address the underlying disc compression that is causing the nerve irritation.
This is where Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression can play an important role.
How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Helps Pinched Nerves
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression works by gently stretching the spine in a precise, computerized manner to relieve pressure on compressed discs and nerves.
At Dr. Boelk’s clinic, decompression is performed using the DRX9000 system, which is one of the most advanced spinal decompression technologies available.
When the spine is properly decompressed, several things can happen:
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Pressure is reduced on the affected nerve.
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Bulging or herniated discs may retract away from the nerve.
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Disc height can improve.
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Oxygen and nutrients can flow back into the disc to support healing.
This process helps address the root cause of the nerve compression, rather than simply masking symptoms.
Why Experience Matters With Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is not simply lying on a traction table.
Successful outcomes depend on:
• Proper patient selection
• Correct decompression angles
• Precise tension settings
• Customized treatment protocols
• Integration of supportive therapies
Dr. Boelk has dedicated nearly two decades exclusively to spinal decompression care, making him one of the most experienced providers of this treatment in California.
Patients frequently travel from across the United States and internationally to seek his expertise.
Real Patient Experiences
“For the first time in 10 years, I am totally pain free. My sciatica is gone and I have no more back pain! I've tried other chiropractic procedures, acupuncture, pain killing drugs, and other type therapies that just did not work. I was one step before back surgery, until I discovered Dr. Boelk's therapy and his procedure, and it's a miracle! My office visits were always so relaxing and comfortable, there was never any pain involved with the therapy. Dr. Boelk and Patty are so welcoming and warm and ready to explain everything that's going on. They both take such good care of you! Thank you Dr. Boelk and Patty!”
— Toni H., San Diego, CA
“I have been dealing with back pain for several years. It got so bad that I had surgery 5 years ago for a bulging disc. About 5 months ago the disc bulged again hitting my sciatic nerve creating pain in my legs that made me want to cry it hurt so bad. After trying so many other options I was fortunate enough to find the spinal decompression and chiropractic center of San Diego. After just a few sessions I noticed a difference. Now after being there for the past few months I'm able to go about my normal life again.
What a blessing it was to find a Dr that genuinely cares and knows how to help people in my situation. Thank you Dr Boelk!”
— Anthony K., San Diego, CA
“I decided to see Dr. Boelk after a pretty gnarly motocoss neck injury. At the Hospital I was at, I felt I was getting pressured into a surgery which I refused. A friend of a friend referred him after Dr. Boelk successfully treated his broken back.
Dr. Boelk is a compassionate individual who truly cares about his patients. He looked at my MRI images, explained what he saw and potential routes for recovery. He could not treat me as I have to wait until the fracture in my neck heals, but the level of professionalism, compassion, caring and knowledge displayed by him was exceptional. He also recommended to seek an additional opinion form another neurosurgeon. My experience was that he really cares and he's not someone who would take advantage of the situation someone's in (unlike some other doctors). I will definitely be back and already recommended him to others as well! Thank you Dr. Boelk!”
— Jan H., San Marcos, CA
“I was having pain radiating down my legs — I couldn’t sleep or walk normally.
After treatment, I’m back to shoveling snow, teaching, walking… I can live again.
It was absolutely worth traveling from Alaska to see Dr. Boelk and his team!”
— Lynn C., Alaska
“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
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
Referral Policy
Whether you were referred by a medical doctor, neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist, attorney, or through a friend or family member, all patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis.
This ensures Dr. Boelk has the necessary time to personally evaluate whether you’re a candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and whether your case can be accepted for treatment.