Severe Low Back Pain That Won’t Go Away – Treatment Without Surgery – San Diego, CA
Patient Experience
“My name is Ira Smith. I live in Las Vegas and found out about Dr. Boelk’s program here in San Diego and decided to start treatments with him. I’ve had lower back problems since I was very young. I had aggravated my lower back pretty bad again and usually I could do exercises, chiropractic treatment, rest and this time those things would no longer relieve my pain. I would get the sciatic pain shooting down into my leg and foot and would be pretty bad.
I found out thru my MRI’s that Dr. Boelk went over with me that I had 5 protruding discs. I did not want to get surgery as I have heard and seen that they don’t always work very well at all. I am 2/3 of the way done with Dr. Boelk’s program and I have zero pain. I pretty much go thru my activities with no pain. As I follow the program it has been absolutely fantastic! I have been thru physical therapy, chiropractic programs, I went to the hospital and they told me I have 1 bad disc, but I found out I had 4 more bad discs as well. The treatment has relieved the pain and is not painful at all. This can be the starting point for anyone with back pain to get their life back.”
— Ira Smith, Las Vegas, NV
Source:
👉 Severe, multi-disc condition with ongoing pain improved significantly after failing PT, chiropractic, and medical care—and avoiding surgery.
Next Step: Low Back & Disc Evaluation — Get a Clear Answer First
If your low back pain hasn’t gone away—and is affecting your ability to sit, sleep, work, or stay active—the next step is not more trial-and-error.
👉 It’s understanding what is actually causing it
At our office, we begin with a Low Back & Disc Evaluation, where Dr. Boelk personally works through your case to determine exactly what is driving your pain.
What You Get During This Evaluation
- Full review of your symptoms and health history
- Discussion of everything you’ve already tried
- Review of MRI or imaging (if available)
- Clear explanation of what is most likely causing your pain
- Identification of whether the disc is involved
- Assessment for nerve irritation or compression
- Movement-based testing (what makes it worse or better)
- Clear determination if you are a candidate for care
What We Determine
- Whether your pain is truly disc-related
- Whether nerve pressure is contributing
- Why your symptoms are not resolving
- Whether decompression is appropriate
- What a customized plan would look like
- What realistic expectations should be
- Or if another path is more appropriate
👉 This evaluation is provided at no charge and is designed to give you clarity before making any decisions.
⚠️ We only accept patients we believe we can genuinely help
⚠️ A limited number of new patient evaluation appointments are available each week
📞 619-298-0800
📱 619-884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
🕘 24/7 answering service
🗣️ Hablamos Español
Why Severe Low Back Pain Doesn’t Go Away
Most people assume their pain is coming from:
- tight muscles
- inflammation
- “just getting older”
But in many cases, the real issue is:
👉 Ongoing pressure within the spinal disc
When that pressure is not reduced:
- nerves stay irritated
- inflammation continues
- symptoms return or worsen
Common Signs Your Pain May Be Disc-Related
- Pain with sitting
- Pain when bending forward
- Pain traveling into the glute or leg
- Symptoms that come and go but never fully resolve
- Difficulty getting comfortable at night
Why Many Treatments Don’t Fix The Problem
Most treatments focus on:
- muscles
- joints
- temporary pain relief
These can help short-term—but if the disc is the source:
👉 the underlying pressure remains
This is why patients often say:
“I’ve tried everything… and it still hurts”
How Treatment Actually Works (Important)
True spinal decompression is not just traction.
It is a targeted, progressive process that:
- Applies precise angles based on your condition
- Uses controlled force over time
- Reduces pressure inside the disc
- Helps create space for irritated nerves
- Allows the body to calm down and recover
At our office, we use the DRX9000 system, which:
- Monitors muscle response
- Adjusts throughout treatment
- Prevents guarding
- Delivers consistent decompression
Why Passive + Active Treatment Matters
This is one of the biggest differences.
Passive treatment (decompression):
- reduces pressure
- calms nerve irritation
Active treatment:
- builds stability
- improves movement patterns
- prevents recurrence
👉 Without both, results often don’t last
What You Can Start Doing Right Now
To reduce irritation:
- Avoid prolonged sitting
- Limit repeated forward bending
- Stand and move every 20–30 minutes
- Keep good posture (especially with screens)
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid aggressive stretching into pain
Experience Matters
Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC:
- Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
- Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
- Founder – Spinal Decompression Training Academy
- Founding Member – American Spinal Decompression Society
- Member – International Disc Education Association
- Over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments performed
- One of the only clinics with 7 DRX9000 units
Patients travel from across the U.S. and internationally—including Mexico, the UK, and Spain—for this level of care.
Research & Clinical Support
Non-surgical spine care is widely supported before surgery when appropriate:
- Johns Hopkins University
- Duke University Medical Center
- Mayo Clinic
- Stanford University School of Medicine
Clinical outcomes have shown:
- 90.5% reported pain reduction
- Improved nerve-related symptoms
- Improved daily function
Patient Experience
“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…” (continued above)
— Jayson Yavorsky, San Diego, CA
Source:
👉 Severe, life-limiting pain improved after failing multiple treatments and being close to surgery.
Not Everyone Is a Candidate
“Very nice Dr. and honest! I would definitely recommend anyone who hasn't had metal put in their back in a surgery… Just not in my personal case… But I'm glad I took the time to meet with him. It was very informative all around.”
— Toni W., Lake Elsinore, CA
Source:
👉 Even when not a candidate, patients receive clear and honest direction.
Request Your Low Back & Disc Evaluation
If your pain hasn’t gone away and is affecting your daily life, the next step is to get a clear answer.
What You Get
- Clear diagnosis
- MRI review and explanation
- Understanding of your condition
- Determination if you are a candidate
- A structured plan if appropriate
👉 This evaluation is provided at no charge and gives you clarity before making any decisions.
📞 619-298-0800
📱 619-884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
🕘 24/7 answering service
🗣️ Hablamos Español
👉 Most patients wish they had done this sooner instead of continuing to deal with ongoing pain.
