Slipped Disc Treatment Without Surgery – Scripps Ranch, CA
If you live in Scripps Ranch and have been told you have a slipped disc, disc bulge, or disc herniation, you may have already been advised to consider injections, medications, or even surgery.
For many people, those are not the only options.
When disc injuries are evaluated properly and the mechanical pressure inside the spine is addressed, many patients are able to improve without undergoing invasive procedures.
Just minutes from Scripps Ranch, patients regularly visit The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego in Kearny Mesa, where Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC specializes in treating disc injuries using Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) combined with targeted rehabilitation.
Dr. Boelk is a Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic, a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor, and a Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist who has spent nearly 21 years focusing specifically on disc injuries and nerve compression.
He has personally performed over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments, making his clinic one of the most experienced decompression centers in the region.
Patients travel from Scripps Ranch, Mira Mesa, Poway, Rancho Peñasquitos, and throughout San Diego County to receive this specialized care.
Understanding What a “Slipped Disc” Really Means
The phrase “slipped disc” is a common term people use when referring to painful disc problems in the spine.
However, discs do not actually slip out of place.
Most of the time, this phrase refers to one of the following disc conditions:
• Disc bulge
• Disc herniation
• Disc protrusion
• Degenerative disc compression
These conditions develop when excessive pressure builds up inside a spinal disc over time.
This pressure can push disc material outward and irritate nearby nerves.
When a nerve becomes irritated, symptoms may include:
• Sciatica pain traveling down the leg
• Sharp lower back pain
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
• Weakness in the leg
• Difficulty sitting or standing
Many patients notice their symptoms worsen with sitting and improve temporarily when walking or lying down.
This is often because certain positions increase pressure on the injured disc.
Why Disc Pressure Is the Root Problem
Spinal discs function like cushions between the vertebrae.
Over time, several factors can increase stress on these discs:
• Prolonged sitting
• Repetitive lifting
• Postural imbalances
• Previous injuries
• Weak core stability
When pressure inside the disc becomes excessive, the disc can begin pressing against nearby nerves.
This is when symptoms such as sciatica, nerve pain, or severe lower back pain can develop.
Pain medications may temporarily reduce symptoms, but they typically do not address the mechanical compression occurring inside the disc itself.
That is why many patients continue struggling with recurring pain.
How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Works
Dr. Boelk uses Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) performed on the DRX9000 system, one of the most advanced spinal decompression technologies available.
This treatment works by gently creating a precise stretching force on the spine.
When the correct settings and protocols are used, this can help create negative pressure inside the disc.
This reduction in disc pressure can allow several beneficial changes to occur:
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Pressure on the irritated nerve may decrease
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Oxygen and nutrients can flow back into the disc
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Disc hydration can improve
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Inflammation around the nerve may calm down
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The body may begin repairing damaged tissue
Studies from institutions including Stanford University, Johns Hopkins, Duke Medical Center, and Mayo Clinic have examined decompression therapy and its ability to help patients suffering from disc injuries.
Why Treatment Protocols Matter
One of the biggest misconceptions about spinal decompression is that all decompression treatments are the same.
In reality, results depend heavily on:
• Proper patient selection
• Individualized machine settings
• Correct treatment protocols
• Integration with strengthening exercises
Dr. Boelk has spent decades refining these protocols through hands-on experience.
In addition to treating patients, he is also the Founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he trains other doctors on advanced decompression techniques.
Because of this expertise, patients often travel from Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Spain to receive treatment at the clinic.
Passive Treatments vs Long-Term Stability
While spinal decompression can significantly reduce disc pressure, it is considered a passive therapy.
Long-term success usually requires strengthening the muscles that support the spine.
That is why treatment plans often include:
• Core stabilization exercises
• Hip mobility work
• Postural correction
• Movement retraining
Addressing these underlying imbalances helps prevent recurring disc injuries and supports lasting results.
A Position That May Help Reduce Disc Pressure at Home
If your back or leg pain is flaring up, you may find temporary relief with the 90/90 decompression position.
To try it:
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Lie on your back on 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 form approximately 90-degree angles.
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Relax in this position for 10–15 minutes.
This position can temporarily reduce pressure on lumbar discs.
If nerve pain is severe, avoid aggressive stretching until the irritation calms down.
Patient Experiences
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 transitioned into strengthening and rehabilitation.
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.
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 years of unsuccessful treatments and nearing surgery, Toni regained a pain-free life.
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 and experienced significant improvement under Dr. Boelk’s care.
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 debilitating sciatica, Jayson regained his active lifestyle and now regularly refers others to Dr. Boelk.
Schedule a No-Charge Consultation
If you are suffering from a slipped disc and want to explore non-surgical treatment options, the first step is scheduling a no-charge consultation with Dr. Boelk.
During this visit he will determine:
• Whether you are a candidate for treatment
• What is causing the disc pressure
• Whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may help your condition
Even if you were referred by another healthcare provider, 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