Sciatica Relief Without Injections – San Diego, CA
Sciatica can quickly take over your life. Many people experience sharp, burning pain that travels from the lower back into the hip and down the leg. Others notice numbness, tingling, or weakness that makes sitting, standing, or sleeping uncomfortable. When symptoms become severe, it is common to be told that injections or surgery are the only remaining options.
In many cases, that simply isn’t true.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC focuses on addressing the underlying cause of sciatica rather than temporarily masking symptoms. As a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, Dr. Boelk has spent nearly two decades helping patients avoid unnecessary injections and surgery by treating disc-related compression directly.
Thousands of patients from San Diego and beyond have sought out his care specifically for this reason.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a condition by itself. It is a symptom that occurs when a nerve in the lower spine becomes compressed or irritated.
In most moderate to severe cases, the compression is disc-related and may involve:
• Disc bulges
• Disc herniations
• Loss of disc height
• Mechanical pressure on nearby nerves
When pressure remains on the nerve, inflammation increases and pain persists. Stretching, rest, or medications may provide temporary relief, but if the compression is still present, symptoms often return.
Long-term improvement requires reducing the pressure on the nerve and allowing the disc to heal.
Why Many Treatments Fall Short
Many patients first try medications, epidural injections, or general therapy programs. While these approaches may reduce inflammation temporarily, they typically do not change the mechanical forces that caused the problem.
Because the underlying issue remains, relief is often short-lived. This leads many people into a frustrating cycle of temporary improvement followed by recurring pain.
Addressing the source of compression is what makes the difference.
Our Non-Surgical Approach to Sciatica Relief
Dr. Boelk specializes in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD), delivered exclusively using the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression System. This technology uses computer-guided force cycles to gently and precisely target specific spinal levels.
Unlike basic traction or inversion tables, true spinal decompression creates negative pressure within the disc. This process helps improve disc hydration, encourage repositioning of bulges or herniations, and reduce stress on irritated nerves. As pressure decreases, many patients experience reduced pain, improved mobility, and a gradual return to normal activities.
Decompression alone is not enough for long-term success. Because it is a passive therapy, it must be combined with active rehabilitation. That is why every care plan also includes mobility work, stability training, and strengthening exercises to correct imbalances and help prevent recurrence.
This combination of decompression and active care is what allows results to last.
Our clinic houses seven DRX9000 decompression systems and is one of the largest providers of true spinal decompression in California. Patients regularly travel from throughout San Diego—including Kearny Mesa, Clairemont, Mira Mesa, and La Jolla—as well as from Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Spain to receive this level of specialized care.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC
Dr. Boelk’s practice is focused almost entirely on disc-related conditions. This level of specialization allows for precise, individualized treatment that many general offices cannot provide.
He is a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor, a Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, and the founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he trains doctors nationwide in proper decompression protocols and techniques. He has personally rehabilitated his own serious neck and back injuries and has performed over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments throughout his career.
For many patients, this experience and focus provide the confidence they need when deciding where to seek care.
Real Patient Experiences
“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 travel from the UK to see Dr. Boelk and his wonderful team. I have 3 bulging disc 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
**“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 made such a difference in my life.”**
— Amanda, San Diego, CA
“I highly recommend Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC and the team at The Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Center. I came in with severe sciatica and a herniated disc, and his treatments have made a world of difference…”
— Brian Perrotta, San Diego, CA
“The care I received at Dr. Boelk’s office was so wonderful… it’s one of the best decisions I made for my back!”
— Kaitelyn H., San Diego, CA
Are You a Candidate?
Not every patient qualifies for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression. During a no-charge consultation, Dr. Boelk personally reviews imaging, spinal stability, neurological findings, and clinical history to determine whether care is appropriate.
If you are not a candidate, you will be told honestly. If you are, a clear, individualized plan will be outlined before any treatment begins.
About Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC
• Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
• California X-Ray Radiology Licensed
• Founder, Spinal Decompression Training Academy
• Over 100,000 Spinal Decompression Treatments Performed
• 7 DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression Systems
• Largest Known Provider of Spinal Decompression in California
• Nearly 20 Years Specializing in Disc Rehabilitation
Next Steps
If you are experiencing ongoing disc pain or sciatica, the first step is simply determining whether you are an appropriate candidate for care.
Call (619) 298-0800 or text (619) 884-8298
Schedule a no-charge, no-obligation consultation
Bring any MRI or imaging if available
Review your findings directly with Dr. Boelk to determine whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is appropriate
The purpose of the consultation is straightforward — to evaluate candidacy first and discuss options clearly.
Because many patients travel specifically to see Dr. Boelk, appointment availability can be limited, so scheduling in advance is recommended.
📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
Kearny Mesa, CA 92123
📞 (619) 298-0800
📱 (619) 884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com