Severe Sciatica Relief Without Surgery – San Diego, California
Severe sciatica pain can completely disrupt your life. The sharp, burning pain down the leg. The numbness, weakness, and inability to sit, stand, or sleep comfortably. Many people are told surgery is their only option—but in many cases, it isn’t.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC, a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, has helped thousands of patients find relief from severe sciatica without surgery, even after other treatments failed.
What Causes Severe Sciatica?
Sciatica occurs when one or more nerves in the lower spine become compressed or irritated. In most severe cases, the cause is disc-related, including:
- Disc herniations
- Disc bulges
- Advanced disc compression placing pressure on the nerve
When pressure remains on the nerve, inflammation builds, pain intensifies, and function declines. Lasting relief requires reducing disc pressure, not just masking symptoms.
Why Many Sciatica Treatments Fall Short
Many conventional treatments focus on temporary symptom control rather than addressing the root problem. These may include:
- Pain medications
- Epidural injections
- Generic stretching programs
- Rest alone
While these approaches may help briefly, they do not relieve disc compression or restore normal spinal mechanics—often leading to recurring or worsening symptoms.
How Severe Sciatica Is Treated Without Surgery in Our Office
Dr. Boelk specializes in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD)using only DRX9000 technology, combined with targeted active rehabilitation.
This approach is designed to:
- Reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve
- Improve disc hydration and positioning
- Allow inflamed nerves to calm and heal
- Restore stability to reduce recurrence
Unlike traction or inversion tables, true spinal decompression uses computer-guided force cycles to safely create negative pressure inside the disc—something manual or generic devices cannot achieve.
Our clinic houses 7 DRX9000 true spinal decompression machines, allowing individualized care at a level few clinics can offer.
Why Patients Seek Out Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC
- Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
- Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
- Nearly 21 years specializing in non-surgical decompression care
- Founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he trains doctors nationwide
- Over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments performed
- Personally rehabilitated his own serious neck and back injuries
Patients travel from across California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Montana, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Canada to receive care based on experience, precision, and results.
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 a prior disc surgery and later experienced a recurrent disc bulge causing severe sciatica. After starting Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression, he noticed improvement within just a few sessions and returned to normal daily activities—without further 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 and nerve involvement. Her experience reflects the trust patients place in Dr. Boelk’s expertise and the effectiveness of properly delivered DRX9000 spinal decompression.
**“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, regained upright posture, eliminated assistive devices, and returned to high-level 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 presented with severe sciatica caused by a herniated disc. Individualized decompression protocols resulted in meaningful symptom relief and improved daily function.
“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 inactivity to normal function and increased exercise capacity through decompression combined with guided active care.
Who Is a Candidate?
Not every patient qualifies for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression. During a no-charge consultation, Dr. Boelk personally evaluates imaging, 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 plan is outlined before any care begins.
Why Acting Early Matters
Prolonged nerve compression can make recovery more difficult over time. Many patients who act earlier experience faster improvement and fewer long-term limitations.
Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of referral source, to ensure proper evaluation time.
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
- 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
Next Steps Toward Lasting Relief
If you’re dealing with severe sciatica and want to explore non-surgical options before committing to surgery, the next step is simple.
Here’s how to get started:
- Call (619) 298-0800 or text (619) 884-8298 after hours
- Schedule your no-charge consultation
- Bring your MRI or X-rays if available
- Review your findings directly with Dr. 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 care.