Shooting Leg Sciatica Pain Relief – San Diego, CA

Shooting pain traveling down the leg is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of sciatica. For many people, it feels like electricity or fire running from the lower back into the hip, thigh, and even the foot. This condition is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve and can make walking, standing, sitting, and even sleeping extremely difficult.

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, patients are finding lasting relief without the risks and downtime of surgery. Under the care of Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC, a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, the clinic has become the largest known provider of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) in California, performing more than 75,000 decompression sessions over nearly 21 years.

What Causes Shooting Leg Sciatica Pain?

Sciatica is not a diagnosis itself but a symptom of nerve compression. Some of the most common causes include:

• Lumbar Disc Herniations – A disc that ruptures or extrudes presses directly on the sciatic nerve.

• Disc Bulges – A weakened disc shifts outward and pinches the nerve root.

• Degenerative Disc Disease – Worn, thinning discs collapse and narrow the space for nerves.

• Postural Imbalances and Weak Core Muscles – These place added stress on the lumbar discs.

• Failed Back Surgery – Scar tissue or unresolved compression often continues to irritate the nerve even after surgical procedures.

These problems lead to the hallmark symptoms of sharp, burning, stabbing, or throbbing pain down the leg, sometimes accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Why This Clinic Uses Only the DRX9000

Not all spinal decompression equipment is the same. Many clinics use traction tables or inversion devices that cannot achieve true decompression. At this San Diego clinic, only the FDA-cleared DRX9000 systems are used. These machines are:

• Supported by Research – Documented in studies from Stanford University, Johns Hopkins, Duke Medical Center, and the Mayo Clinic.

• Highly Precise – Able to isolate and target the exact damaged disc, unlike generic traction.

• Proven Effective – Patients often achieve lasting relief even after other treatments have failed.

With seven DRX9000 machines in one office, the clinic is uniquely positioned to help more patients receive care without long delays.

How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Helps

The DRX9000 gently and precisely stretches the spine to create a negative pressure inside the disc. This process:

• Pulls herniated or bulging discs away from nerves

• Restores hydration and nutrients into the discs

• Relieves pressure on the sciatic nerve

• Encourages long-term disc healing

Treatments are non-invasive, comfortable, and require no downtime. Many patients even nap during their sessions.

The Importance of Active Therapy

While decompression is effective at relieving nerve compression, it is a passive therapy. For long-term success, the clinic integrates active rehabilitation, including:

• Core stabilization training

• Hip mobility and strengthening drills

• Postural correction

• Balance and movement retraining

This dual approach helps patients not only find relief but also prevent recurrence of symptoms.

Patient Testimonials

“Dr. Boelk and his team are the best in the business! I have had lower back problems for over 5 years and been to 6 other doctors seeking options other than surgery. I came in early January not able to bend and walking with a limp. By February I was able to bend again with minimal pain and by March I am now able to bend without any pain and am able to walk normally.

 

 I am EXTREMELY happy I did not have surgery and found Dr. Boelk. Trust him and the process and he will get you feeling better. He also said from the beginning that if at any stage in the process he felt like progress wasn't happening he would let me know which was not the case with other specialist I have seen in the past so I appreciate that.”

                                                                                          Calder Pearce, San Diego, CA,3/07/25

 

“I was so tired of being in pain and felt I had tried all resources. After two unsuccessful cortizone shots in my back (cash out of pocket) recommended by my primary care doctor who assured me that would do the trick, I began asking people about their experience with back surgery. Even my primary care doctor said it might have to be considered. I wanted to stay as far away from the knife as possible.

Sometimes Google is magic...I began to explore other options and found many useful information on spinal decompression. It is not a quick fix. Healing takes time and patience. I am so grateful I found Dr. Boelk and staff at the Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Center. Of course his 5 star reviews intrigued me. (and he deserves every one of those 5 star reviews).

After a consultation where I never felt rushed and I FELT HEARD I decided to commit to a treatment plan.
I am now pain free after 18 treatments. I plan to continue a maintenance routine as part of my self care goals moving forward and I'm finally feeling zero discomfort.
No meds. Just commiting to Dr. Boelk's recommended treatment plan.”

                                                                                                                                                -Marlo Surovsky, 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

 

“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

 

Why Patients Travel for Care

Patients seeking relief don’t just come from San Diego. Many have traveled from Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom to be treated at this clinic. The combination of proven protocols, advanced equipment, and decades of expertise has made it a destination for those serious about avoiding surgery and finding real relief.

Next Steps

All patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of whether they were referred by a neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor, or physical therapist.

Every new patient begins with a no-charge consultation, which includes:

• Review of history and imaging

• Explanation of what may be causing the pain

• Assessment of whether they are a candidate for decompression care

• Detailed treatment recommendations if their case is accepted

All costs and options are reviewed with patients before any treatment begins.

The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego

📍 5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92123
📞 Office Phone: 619-298-0800
📱 Office Cell: 619-884-8298
🌐 www.SanDiegoBackCare.com

About Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC

• Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic

• California Licensed Doctor of Chiropractic

• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor

• California X-ray Radiology Licensed Doctor

• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist

• Member of the International Disc Education Association

• Over 75,000 spinal decompression sessions performed

• 7 DRX9000 true spinal decompression machines in one office

• The largest known provider of spinal decompression in California

• Nearly 21 years specializing exclusively in decompression care

• #1 rated Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression office in San Diego

• #1 rated spinal decompression doctor in San Diego