If your sciatica pain is getting worse instead of better, you’re not alone.
Many people in San Diego search for answers after trying medications, injections, physical therapy, or stretching routines—only to find their symptoms lingering or intensifying. Pain may start in the low back or hip and travel down the leg, making sitting, driving, sleeping, or walking increasingly difficult.
When sciatica continues to worsen, it’s often a sign that the underlying cause of nerve irritation hasn’t been properly addressed.
Sciatica isn’t a diagnosis by itself—it’s a symptom of nerve compression or irritation, most commonly related to the lumbar spine. In many cases, the source involves:
A bulging disc
A herniated disc
Ongoing disc pressure on a spinal nerve
When disc pressure remains, symptoms may fluctuate but often trend worse over time, especially with sitting, bending, or repetitive stress. This is why symptom-based care alone frequently falls short.
Many people are told to stretch more, take medications, or wait for sciatica to calm down. While these approaches may temporarily reduce discomfort, they don’t correct why the nerve is being irritated.
Lasting improvement typically requires identifying whether disc pressure is present and whether it can be safely reduced.
“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
Summary:
Toni lived with worsening sciatica for years, tried multiple conservative treatments, and was close to surgery before finding relief once disc-related nerve compression was addressed.
Prolonged sitting—especially without proper support—places increased pressure on lumbar discs. For people with disc-related sciatica, this often triggers flare-ups during desk work, driving, or long periods of inactivity.
When sciatica worsens with sitting, it usually points to a mechanical spinal issue, not inflammation alone.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, sciatica care begins with a thorough evaluation to determine whether disc pressure is contributing to nerve irritation.
Evaluation may include:
A detailed clinical examination
Review of MRI or X-rays when available
Assessment of symptom behavior and progression
For patients who qualify, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) using the DRX9000 may be recommended to help reduce disc pressure and relieve nerve irritation.
“Dr. Boelk has been a life saver. Have had constant lower back and sciatica pain for over 8 plus months, no pills helped and on track for multiple shots but with the treatment given I have found relief and down to zero pain. As a firefighter that relies on his body to help others and the results I have experienced it's totally worth looking into what Dr. Boelk can do for you.”
— Joshua T., San Diego, CA
Summary:
Joshua experienced progressive sciatica despite medications and was facing injections before achieving relief through non-surgical care focused on the spine.
Not all spinal decompression is the same. Outcomes depend on:
The quality of the equipment
Proper force application
Individualized protocols
Ongoing reassessment throughout care
Our clinic uses only DRX9000 true spinal decompression machines, with 7 machines in one location, allowing care to be customized rather than generic.
“I have had a wonderful experience with Dr. Boelk and his staff at the Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Center of San Diego. They have a great protocol and the best decompression machines. I’ve been to other places with sub par machines and didn’t get any benefit. Dr. Boelk is very attentive and cares about each person, you can see it in how he interacts with everyone. Been undergoing treatment for about 12 sessions now and the sciatica is gone and I’m almost back to normal, 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. Definitely worth the investment! Thank you!”
— Michael Langsdale, San Diego, CA
Summary:
Michael’s experience highlights the importance of proper equipment and protocol precision when addressing disc-related sciatica.
Chronic sciatica doesn’t just affect the body. Over time, persistent pain can disrupt sleep, limit activity, and impact mood and overall quality of life.
“There is not enough room to explain the relief Dr. Boelk has brought to me and my entire family. I found him after a year of sciatic pain. Couldn't play the sports I loved, no hockey, golf or surfing. The pain shooting from my hip to my left foot was to the point of unbearable. I had been visiting chiropractors since I was 18, temporary relief, but nothing consistent. Acupuncture helped a bit, physical therapy was unmanageable. I couldn't get a solid night sleep and didn't care to go on. But Then I met the Dr! I tell people regularly, he saved my life.
It was a regular routine of adjuments and excersises. A change of life patterns but 110% worth every effort. I have since had my wife, daughter, mother, father and multiple friends and clients visit Dr. Boelk. All thanking me for the referral. Last one was my firefighting friend that had horrible sciatica. He is now on the recovery train.
So without a doubt, if you are on the verge of surgery, don't do it until you give this Dr a chance to examine you 1st. He is honest, he will tell you if you are beyond repair.
I trust him with my life and my back. So should you!”
— Jayson Yavorsky, San Diego, CA
Summary:
Jayson’s story reflects the physical and emotional toll worsening sciatica can take and the importance of honest evaluation before surgery.
In many cases, once nerve pressure is reduced, additional rehabilitation and stability work may be recommended to support long-term improvement.
“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:
Abel’s case shows how decompression combined with rehabilitation can support recovery beyond symptom control.
• 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
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:
Call (619) 298-0800 or text (619) 884-8298 after hours.
Schedule your no-charge consultation to find out if you qualify for DRX9000 spinal decompression.
Bring your MRI or X-rays if available.
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
Se habla español.
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 care.
Schedule a Complimentary, No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation or to submit a question, simply fill out the form to the right and click submit.
(619) 298-0800