SHOULD I GET A SECOND OPINION BEFORE BACK SURGERY? – SAN DIEGO, CA
Understanding Your MRI, Surgical Recommendations & Whether Additional Options May Exist
One of the most important decisions a person can make is whether or not to undergo spinal surgery.
Every week I meet patients who have been told they may need:
- Lumbar Surgery
- Microdiscectomy
- Laminectomy
- Spinal Fusion
- Cervical Surgery
- Disc Replacement
Many arrive nervous, confused, and overwhelmed.
Others simply want to know:
"Should I get a second opinion before surgery?"
In many cases, the answer is:
Absolutely.
That does not mean your surgeon is wrong.
It does not mean surgery is a bad option.
And it certainly does not mean surgery is never necessary.
It simply means that surgery is a major decision and understanding all reasonable options before proceeding is often a wise decision.
"WE BOTH DETERMINED THAT SURGERY WAS MY ONLY OPTION"
One reason many patients trust Dr. Boelk is because he is willing to tell patients when he does not believe they are a candidate.
“I found this terrific practice on social media. I followed up and did my own research so I decided to pay them a visit. The place is clean, well organized and run by a very efficient receptionist. I met with the doctor and after a honest and forthright conversation, we both determined that surgery was my only option to correct my back issues. I will return as a customer when the time is right.”
— Jeff J., Tucson, AZ
Not every patient is a candidate.
Not every patient can avoid surgery.
And not every patient should.
One of the goals of a second opinion is determining which category you fall into.
SCHEDULE A NO-CHARGE CONSULTATION TO SEE IF YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE
If you've been told surgery may be necessary, your consultation with Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC may include:
✔ Review Of Symptoms
✔ MRI Review (If Available)
✔ Discussion Of Previous Treatment
✔ Discussion Of Surgical Recommendations
✔ Discussion Of Potential Conservative Options
✔ Determination Of Whether You May Be A Candidate
Please Note:
⚠️ Not Every Patient Qualifies
⚠️ Not Every Patient Can Avoid Surgery
⚠️ Not Every Patient Is A Candidate
⚠️ Dr. Boelk Will Always Be Honest About Whether He Believes He Can Help
Because Dr. Boelk personally performs consultations and MRI reviews himself, appointment availability is limited.
WHY MANY PEOPLE SEEK A SECOND OPINION
Most patients are not spine experts.
They are trying to make a life-changing decision while dealing with:
- Pain
- Fear
- Sleep Deprivation
- Stress
- Anxiety
That can be difficult.
A second opinion often helps answer questions such as:
- Is surgery truly necessary?
- Are there conservative options worth considering?
- What are the risks of waiting?
- What are the risks of surgery?
- What are the chances of improvement?
- What happens if I do nothing?
Even if the second opinion confirms surgery is the correct choice, patients often feel more confident moving forward.
DOES A BIG HERNIATED DISC AUTOMATICALLY MEAN SURGERY?
Not necessarily.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions I encounter.
Many patients assume:
Big MRI finding = Surgery
Unfortunately, it is not always that simple.
Over the years, I have reviewed thousands of MRI studies.
Some patients have very large disc herniations and function surprisingly well.
Others have relatively modest MRI findings but significant symptoms.
This is why treatment decisions should never be based solely on MRI findings.
A complete evaluation should consider:
- Symptoms
- Neurological Findings
- Physical Examination
- MRI Findings
- Functional Limitations
- Previous Treatment Response
WHY DISC INJURIES CAN BE SO DIFFICULT TO HEAL
One reason patients become frustrated is because disc injuries often linger.
Unlike muscles, spinal discs have a very limited blood supply.
Most tissues receive direct blood flow carrying:
- Oxygen
- Nutrients
- Growth Factors
- Healing Components
Spinal discs are different.
Instead, they rely heavily on:
- Fluid Exchange
- Nutrient Diffusion
- Movement
Think of a sponge.
If a sponge remains compressed continuously, fluid movement becomes restricted.
Many researchers believe a similar concept may occur with injured spinal discs.
When pressure remains elevated within the disc, healing may become more difficult.
This is one reason some patients continue suffering despite trying multiple forms of care.
"I NEVER ENDED UP NEEDING EITHER OF THOSE APPOINTMENTS"
**“Last year, I spent three months constantly going back and forth between doctor’s appointments and urgent care. The pain was unbearable—I was taking medication regularly just to get through the day. Getting out of bed was excruciating, and walking or standing felt like torture. Every step filled me with dread.
In December, my doctor finally ordered an MRI. That’s when I learned I had an extruded disc pressing on my L5 nerve, which affects the leg and foot. My doctor scheduled two follow-up appointments: one for pain management (spinal injections), and another to evaluate me for surgery.
Then I discovered spinal decompression therapy. I was thrilled to find a non-invasive alternative.
I never ended up needing either of those appointments.
Now, I’m walking regularly, standing up straight—something I couldn’t do before. When I first sought help, I was so hunched over that I had to use a cane just to move forward. Because of the pain, I hadn’t exercised in months. But now, I’m doing a program called 75 Hard which requires not one but 2 45-minute workouts per day, and I've even gotten back to lifting weights!
I’m so thankful I found this place. It’s conveniently located near my work, which makes it easy to fit sessions into my lunch break. Dr. Boelk and the staff are incredibly friendly and polite—it’s always a pleasure to come in.
The environment is so relaxing that I look forward to each visit. I truly thank God for leading me to this alternative. It’s made such a difference in my life.”**
— Amanda, San Diego, CA
WHY SOME PATIENTS IMPROVE TEMPORARILY BUT THEN FLARE UP AGAIN
Many patients tell me:
"The injection helped for a while."
"Physical therapy helped, but the pain came back."
"The adjustment helped temporarily."
This doesn't mean those treatments were wrong.
Many can be very beneficial.
However, many patients have multiple overlapping issues occurring simultaneously:
- Disc Injury
- Nerve Irritation
- Core Weakness
- Hip Weakness
- Poor Stability
- Limited Mobility
Addressing only one component may not completely resolve the problem.
This is one reason patients often experience:
- Temporary Relief
- Flare-Up
- Temporary Relief
- Another Flare-Up
for months or even years.
WHEN SURGERY MAY BE THE RIGHT CHOICE
Sometimes surgery is absolutely appropriate.
Examples may include:
- Progressive Neurological Loss
- Significant Muscle Weakness
- Certain Emergency Conditions
- Severe Instability
- Certain Spinal Cord Conditions
When those situations occur, surgery may be the best option.
One reason patients appreciate obtaining a second opinion is because it helps clarify whether their condition falls into one of these categories.
WHY WE EXCLUSIVELY USE DRX9000 SPINAL DECOMPRESSION
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center Of San Diego, Dr. Boelk exclusively utilizes:
DRX9000 Spinal Decompression Systems
The office currently operates:
7 DRX9000 Systems
- 4 Lumbar Systems
- 3 Cervical Systems
making it one of the largest spinal decompression facilities in California.
Over the years, Dr. Boelk has personally performed:
More Than 100,000 Spinal Decompression Treatments
Many doctors now travel to San Diego to learn his protocols through:
The Spinal Decompression Training Academy
Not all spinal decompression systems are the same.
Not all treatment protocols are the same.
Success often depends on:
✔ Proper Diagnosis
✔ MRI Review
✔ Appropriate Patient Selection
✔ Correct Treatment Parameters
✔ Active Rehabilitation
✔ Progress Evaluation
MY PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
Part of the reason I am passionate about helping patients suffering from disc injuries is because I have personally experienced significant spinal injuries myself.
At age 16, I fractured my L5 vertebra.
Later in life I experienced serious neck and back disc injuries as well.
I understand firsthand:
- Chronic Pain
- Activity Restrictions
- Recovery Challenges
- Fear Of Surgery
- Frustration When Progress Stalls
Those experiences helped shape the way I evaluate and treat patients today.
WHY PATIENTS SEEK OUT DR. CASSIDY BOELK DC
✔ Nearly 22 Years Of Clinical Experience
✔ Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
✔ Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
✔ Founder, Spinal Decompression Training Academy
✔ Founder Of One Of California's Largest Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Practices
✔ Founding Member, American Spinal Decompression Society
✔ Member, International Disc Education Association
✔ California X-Ray Radiation Supervisor & Operator
✔ More Than 100,000 Spinal Decompression Treatments Performed
✔ Operates 7 DRX9000 Systems
✔ Trains Doctors Nationwide In Spinal Decompression Protocols
✔ Has Helped Thousands Of Patients Suffering From Disc Herniations, Sciatica, Chronic Neck Pain And Chronic Low Back Pain
"HE COULD NOT TREAT ME"
One of the strongest indicators of an honest doctor is being willing to tell a patient when treatment is not appropriate.
**“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
SCHEDULE A NO-CHARGE CONSULTATION
📞 619-298-0800
📍 5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
If you've been told you may need back surgery, obtaining a second opinion may help you better understand your diagnosis, your options, and whether a non-surgical treatment approach may be appropriate.
Because Dr. Boelk personally performs consultations and MRI reviews himself, consultation availability is limited.