Slipped Disc Treatment Without Surgery – Kearny Mesa, CA
If you live in Kearny Mesa and have been diagnosed with a slipped disc, disc bulge, or disc herniation, you may have already been told that medications, injections, or surgery are your primary options.
For many people, surgery is not the only solution.
When the underlying pressure inside the disc is properly addressed, many patients are able to improve without invasive procedures.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, located in Kearny Mesa, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC has spent nearly 21 years specializing in disc injuries and nerve compression, helping thousands of patients find relief through Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) and corrective spinal rehabilitation.
Dr. Boelk is a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain Free Performance Specialist who has personally performed over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments.
Our clinic is also one of the few centers in the country with seven DRX9000 spinal decompression machines, allowing multiple patients to be treated simultaneously while still receiving individualized care.
Many patients travel from Kearny Mesa, Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, La Jolla, Clairemont, and throughout San Diego County to seek this specialized care.
What Is a Slipped Disc?
The term “slipped disc” is commonly used to describe several disc-related spine conditions.
Technically, discs do not slip out of place. Instead, the phrase typically refers to one of the following:
• Disc bulge
• Disc herniation
• Disc protrusion
• Disc compression
These conditions occur when excessive pressure builds up inside the spinal disc.
Over time, the disc can begin pressing against nearby nerves, which may cause symptoms such as:
• Sciatica pain traveling down the leg
• Sharp or burning lower back pain
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty sitting or standing for long periods
In many cases, the real issue is pressure inside the disc irritating a spinal nerve.
Why Disc Injuries Can Be So Painful
Spinal discs act like cushions between the bones of the spine.
When discs become compressed from years of stress, posture problems, injuries, or repetitive loading, pressure builds up inside the disc.
That pressure can push disc material outward, irritating nearby nerves.
When this occurs, the body may respond with:
• Muscle spasms
• Inflammation
• Severe nerve pain
• Limited mobility
Simply masking the pain with medication does not address the mechanical pressure inside the disc.
That is why many people continue to struggle for months or even years.
How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Works
Dr. Boelk specializes in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) using the DRX9000 system, one of the most researched spinal decompression technologies available.
This FDA-cleared system gently and precisely reduces pressure inside injured discs.
When pressure inside the disc decreases, several important things may happen:
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The irritated nerve can begin to calm down
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Oxygen and nutrients can enter the disc again
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Disc hydration may improve
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Inflammation surrounding the nerve can decrease
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The body may begin repairing damaged tissue
This process is often referred to as creating negative intradiscal pressure, which helps reduce compression on the nerve.
Research institutions such as Stanford University, Johns Hopkins, Duke Medical Center, and Mayo Clinic have studied decompression therapy and its ability to help patients with disc injuries.
Why Experience Matters With Spinal Decompression
Not all spinal decompression treatments are the same.
Successful outcomes depend heavily on:
• Proper patient selection
• Correct machine settings
• Individualized treatment protocols
• Integration with corrective exercises
Dr. Boelk has spent decades refining these protocols.
In addition to treating patients, he is also the Founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he trains other doctors in advanced decompression techniques.
Because of this experience, patients often travel from Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Spain to receive treatment in our office.
Passive Therapy Alone Is Not Enough
While spinal decompression is extremely powerful for reducing disc pressure, it is still considered a passive therapy.
Long-term results typically require strengthening the surrounding muscles and improving spinal stability.
At our clinic, decompression therapy is frequently combined with:
• Core stabilization training
• Hip mobility work
• Postural correction
• Movement retraining
Addressing these underlying factors helps patients avoid recurring disc injuries.
Something You Can Try at Home
If your disc pain is flaring up, one position that may help reduce disc pressure is the 90-90 decompression position.
Here is how to try it:
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Lie on your back on the floor or a firm surface.
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Place your lower legs on a chair or couch.
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Your hips and knees should be bent at approximately 90 degrees.
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Relax in this position for 10–15 minutes.
This position can temporarily reduce pressure on the lumbar discs.
Avoid aggressive stretching if you are experiencing severe nerve pain.
Patient Testimonials
Michael Langsdale – San Diego, CA
“I have had a wonderful experience with Dr. Boelk and his staff at the Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Center of San Diego. They have a great protocol and the best decompression machines. I’ve been to other places with sub par machines and didn’t get any benefit. Dr. Boelk is very attentive and cares about each person, you can see it in how he interacts with everyone. Been undergoing treatment for about 12 sessions now and the sciatica is gone and I’m almost back to normal, didn’t think it would ever heal but even after the first session I had tremendous relief and could sleep mostly pain free for the first time in months. Definitely worth the investment! Thank you!”
Summary: Michael had previously tried decompression elsewhere without success. After beginning treatment with Dr. Boelk using the DRX9000 protocol, his sciatica improved dramatically and he was able to sleep again.
Toni H. – San Diego, CA
“For the first time in 10 years, I am totally pain free. My sciatica is gone and I have no more back pain! I've tried other chiropractic procedures, acupuncture, pain killing drugs, and other type therapies that just did not work. I was one step before back surgery, until I discovered Dr. Boelk's therapy and his procedure, and it's a miracle! My office visits were always so relaxing and comfortable, there was never any pain involved with the therapy. Dr. Boelk and Patty are so welcoming and warm and ready to explain everything that's going on. They both take such good care of you! Thank you Dr. Boelk and Patty!”
Summary: After nearly a decade of pain and being close to surgery, Toni regained a pain-free life through decompression treatment.
Jayson Yavorsky – San Diego, CA
“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. I had been visiting chiropractors since I was 18, temporary relief, but nothing consistent. Acupuncture helped a bit, physical therapy was unmanageable. I couldn't get a solid night sleep and didn't care to go on. But Then I met the Dr! I tell people regularly, he saved my life.
It was a regular routine of adjuments and excersises. A change of life patterns but 110% worth every effort. I have since had my wife, daughter, mother, father and multiple friends and clients visit Dr. Boelk. All thanking me for the referral. Last one was my firefighting friend that had horrible sciatica. He is now on the recovery train.
So without a doubt, if you are on the verge of surgery, don't do it until you give this Dr a chance to examine you 1st. He is honest, he will tell you if you are beyond repair.
I trust him with my life and my back. So should you!”
Summary: After a year of severe sciatica that prevented sports and sleep, Jayson regained his active lifestyle and now refers family and friends for treatment.
Joshua T. – San Diego, CA
“Dr. Boelk has been a life saver. Have had constant lower back and sciatica pain for over 8 plus months, no pills helped and on track for multiple shots but with the treatment given I have found relief and down to zero pain. As a firefighter that relies on his body to help others and the results I have experienced it's totally worth looking into what Dr. Boelk can do for you.”
Summary: Joshua avoided injections and returned to full physical function despite months of severe sciatic pain.
Abel T. – San Diego, CA
“I had really bad back problems to the point I couldn’t sleep, also had pain radiating along the sciatic nerve which ran down one leg from the lower back—caused by an accident.
I came in and talked to Dr. Cassidy about my back problems. He evaluated me and mentioned I was a good candidate for this treatment. After the first 2 decompression sessions my sciatic pain was gone and we were able to work on the root of the problem. I did a total of 24 sessions, after which I was able to start rehabilitation training to strengthen my core.
The office is super nice and the staff’s customer service is above and beyond.
Back and neck issues are horrible to live with—trust me, I know firsthand. I gained weight, took pain killers, went into depression, and had major anxiety. I’m over it now—feeling better, walking, sleeping well, and starting to have a better social life as well.
The experience for me has been nothing but excellent. Dr. Cassidy Boelk is hands down amazing—super glad I came here.”
Summary: Abel experienced rapid sciatic nerve relief early in treatment and later progressed into rehabilitation and strengthening.
Schedule a No-Charge Consultation
If you are suffering from a slipped disc or disc herniation and want to explore non-surgical treatment options, the first step is a no-charge consultation with Dr. Boelk.
During this consultation he will determine:
• Whether you are a candidate for care
• What is causing the disc pressure
• What treatment options may help your specific case
Even if you were referred by another doctor, patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis so Dr. Boelk can properly evaluate each case.
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
Our office also offers 24/7 answering service through the main office phone so patients can always reach someone when needed.
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
• Founder, Spinal Decompression Training Academy
• Over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments performed
• Nearly 21 years specializing in disc injuries