Severe Sciatica Pain Relief Without Surgery – La Jolla, CA

 

Severe sciatica pain doesn’t just hurt—it changes how you live. Simple activities like standing, walking, sleeping, or driving can become exhausting or unbearable. Many people in La Jolla are told their next step is injections or surgery, often without being offered a true non-surgical alternative.

 

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC has spent nearly two decades helping patients with severe sciatica reduce nerve pain and regain function without surgery, using advanced, evidence-based spinal decompression protocols.

 

Understanding Why Sciatica Becomes Severe

Sciatica is not a diagnosis—it’s a symptom. The pain, burning, tingling, or weakness down the leg occurs when a spinal nerve is irritated or compressed. In the vast majority of severe cases, the underlying cause is disc-related, such as:

• A lumbar disc herniation
• A disc bulge contacting a nerve
• Progressive disc compression increasing nerve pressure

 

When disc pressure is left unaddressed, inflammation builds, nerve sensitivity increases, and symptoms often spread further down the leg. Lasting relief requires reducing mechanical pressure on the nerve, not simply numbing pain signals.

 

Why So Many Sciatica Patients Don’t Improve Elsewhere

Many patients in La Jolla arrive at our office after months—or years—of unsuccessful care. Common approaches often include:

• Anti-inflammatory or nerve medications
• Epidural steroid injections
• Generalized physical therapy programs
• Rest combined with activity restriction

 

While these methods may temporarily reduce symptoms, they do not correct disc compression. Without unloading the disc and calming the nerve, sciatica frequently returns or worsens.

 

A Different Approach to Sciatica Relief Without Surgery

Dr. Boelk focuses on Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) using only DRX9000 spinal decompression systems, paired with carefully selected active rehabilitation.

This approach is designed to:

1. Decrease pressure within the affected spinal disc
2. Reduce irritation on the sciatic nerve
3. Promote disc hydration and improved biomechanics
4. Support long-term stability and symptom control

 

Unlike traction or inversion devices, true spinal decompression uses computer-controlled force modulation to safely create negative pressure inside the disc—allowing space for healing to occur.

 

Our clinic operates 7 DRX9000 true spinal decompression machines, enabling highly individualized care that very few clinics in Southern California can provide.

 

Why Patients From La Jolla Choose Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC

• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
• Nearly 21 years focused almost exclusively on decompression care
• Founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he trains doctors nationwide
• Over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments performed
• Extensive experience rehabilitating complex disc and nerve cases

 

Patients travel from La Jolla, throughout San Diego County, and from out of state and overseas—including Mexico, the UK, and Spain—to seek care based on precision, experience, and outcomes.

 

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

 

Summary:
Anthony had previously undergone disc surgery and later developed recurrent disc-related sciatica. Through properly delivered Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression, he experienced meaningful improvement and returned to normal daily life without additional surgery.

 

“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

 

Summary:
Lisa travels internationally due to multiple disc bulges with nerve involvement. Her experience highlights both the effectiveness of DRX9000 spinal decompression and the level of trust patients place in Dr. Boelk’s expertise.

 

**“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

 

Summary:
Amanda had an extruded disc compressing the L5 nerve and was scheduled for injections and surgical evaluation. After decompression care, she avoided both, restored upright posture, eliminated assistive devices, and returned to intense daily exercise.

 

“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. He and his staff are both professional and genuinely caring, creating a welcoming and supportive environment. The treatments were not only highly effective but also tailored to my specific needs. I’m grateful for the care I received and the significant improvement in my quality of life.”
— Brian Perrotta, San Diego, CA

 

Summary:
Brian sought care for severe sciatica caused by a herniated disc. Customized decompression protocols resulted in substantial symptom relief and improved quality of life.

 

“The care I received at Dr. Boelk’s office was so wonderful. I went from having to lay down for several hours a day, to being able to live my life normally, and even began working up my exercise capacity. I always felt cared about, and there was a lot of feedback. The exercise and information Dr. Boelk provides is so critical to maintaining positive results and pain reduction with increased mobility and freedom. All the staff are so caring, and it’s one of the best decisions I made for my back!”
— Kaitelyn H., San Diego, CA

 

Summary:
Kaitelyn progressed from daily functional limitation to normal activity and increased exercise tolerance through decompression combined with guided active care.

 

How Dr. Boelk Determines Candidacy

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is not appropriate for everyone. During a no-charge consultation, Dr. Boelk personally reviews imaging, spinal stability, neurological findings, and case history to determine whether care is appropriate.

Patients are always given honest guidance before any treatment begins.

 

Why Timing Matters With Sciatica

Nerves that remain compressed for prolonged periods often become more sensitive and slower to recover. Patients who seek care earlier often experience more efficient improvement and better long-term outcomes.

Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of referral source.

 

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
• Nearly 21 years specializing in decompression care
• Rated #1 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Office in San Diego

 

Next Steps Toward Lasting Relief (La Jolla)

If you’re dealing with severe sciatica in La Jolla and want to explore non-surgical options before committing to surgery, the next step is straightforward.

Here’s how to begin:

1. Call (619) 298-0800 or text (619) 884-8298 after hours
2. Schedule your no-charge consultation
3. Bring your MRI or X-rays if available
4. Review your findings directly with Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC

 

👉 Consultations are no-charge and carry no obligation.

Because availability is limited and many patients travel from out of state and overseas, appointments fill quickly.

 

📍 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
🌐 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.