Spinal Decompression Chiropractor Chula Vista, CA
If you're searching for a spinal decompression chiropractor in Chula Vista, California, you may be dealing with a herniated disc, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, or chronic neck or lower back pain that hasn't improved with previous treatment.
Perhaps you've tried chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, medications, or spinal injections. You may have even been told that surgery is an option, but you'd prefer to explore conservative treatment before making that decision.
For patients in Chula Vista looking for a chiropractor who specializes in non-surgical spinal decompression, Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC, offers consultations at The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, located in Kearny Mesa.
Dr. Boelk is a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist with more than 22 years of clinical experience. His practice focuses extensively on patients with disc-related spinal conditions, including herniated discs, sciatica, and chronic spinal pain.
The center features seven DRX9000 spinal decompression systems, including four lumbar and three cervical units. Throughout his career, Dr. Boelk has overseen more than 100,000 spinal decompression treatment sessions.
He is also the founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he teaches other doctors specialized decompression protocols, patient selection, and treatment techniques.
For Chula Vista residents interested in non-surgical spinal decompression, the first step is determining whether the treatment is appropriate for their particular condition.
Limited No-Charge Spinal Decompression Consultations Available
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Discuss your lower back pain, neck pain, sciatica, or disc-related symptoms.
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Review your previous treatment history and available MRI findings.
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Learn how DRX9000 non-surgical spinal decompression works.
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Understand how decompression differs from traditional chiropractic adjustments.
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Discuss whether further examination or imaging may be appropriate.
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Explore your options without committing to a treatment program.
Call 619-298-0800 to schedule a no-charge consultation.
Why Chula Vista Patients Search for a Spinal Decompression Chiropractor
Many patients who contact the center have already spent considerable time trying to manage their symptoms.
Some have lower back pain that becomes worse with sitting or driving. Others experience shooting pain down one leg, numbness in the foot, or discomfort that makes walking difficult.
For patients with cervical disc problems, symptoms may extend from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
These problems can affect work, sleep, exercise, and everyday activities.
Chula Vista residents who commute throughout San Diego County may find prolonged sitting especially uncomfortable when dealing with certain lumbar disc conditions.
Others may struggle with recreational activities such as walking, cycling, golf, strength training, or playing sports.
For individuals who have not experienced adequate improvement with previous conservative treatment, specialized spinal decompression may be another option worth discussing.
However, spinal decompression is not appropriate for everyone, and treatment should begin with an individualized evaluation.
What Is a Spinal Decompression Chiropractor?
A spinal decompression chiropractor is a doctor of chiropractic who evaluates spinal conditions and may incorporate specialized mechanical traction into a conservative treatment program.
Traditional chiropractic adjustments and non-surgical spinal decompression are different procedures.
Chiropractic adjustments generally involve applying controlled manual or instrument-assisted forces to selected joints.
Non-surgical spinal decompression uses a motorized traction system that applies controlled pulling forces to the spine.
The objective is to reduce mechanical loading on selected spinal structures and potentially relieve symptoms associated with certain disc-related conditions.
Not every chiropractic office offers spinal decompression, and not every chiropractor uses the same equipment or treatment protocols.
At Dr. Boelk's practice, spinal decompression is a major clinical focus rather than simply an occasional additional service.
A Patient's Experience After Years of Lower Back Pain
For some patients, finding an appropriate treatment approach can be frustrating after years of discomfort.
Calder Pearce described his experience after seeing multiple doctors while searching for alternatives to surgery.
Patient Testimonial – Calder Pearce, San Diego, CA
“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.”
Individual results vary, and not every patient can avoid surgery. However, this experience illustrates why patients often want to explore appropriate conservative options before considering more invasive procedures.
What Conditions Can a Spinal Decompression Chiropractor Evaluate?
Dr. Boelk evaluates patients with a variety of spinal conditions, including:
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Lumbar disc herniations
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Cervical disc herniations
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L4-L5 disc bulges and herniations
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L5-S1 disc bulges and herniations
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C5-C6 and C6-C7 disc injuries
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Sciatica
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Degenerative disc disease
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Certain cases of foraminal stenosis
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Chronic lower back pain
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Chronic neck pain
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Disc protrusions and extrusions
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Annular tears or fissures
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Pinched nerves
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Radiating arm or leg pain
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Certain cases of spondylolisthesis
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Persistent disc-related symptoms despite previous conservative care
Having one of these diagnoses does not automatically mean that spinal decompression is appropriate.
For example, a patient with an L4-L5 disc herniation may experience radiating leg pain, while another patient with similar MRI findings may have minimal symptoms.
Imaging findings must be considered alongside the patient's symptoms and examination results.
Can a Spinal Decompression Chiropractor Help With a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when material from the inner portion of a spinal disc pushes beyond its normal boundaries.
Depending on the location, the herniated material may irritate or compress a nearby spinal nerve.
This can produce symptoms such as lower back pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
For selected patients, non-surgical spinal decompression may be considered as part of a conservative treatment program.
The DRX9000 applies controlled traction forces to the spine with the goal of reducing mechanical loading on selected spinal structures.
Some research suggests that mechanical traction may provide short-term pain relief or functional improvement for certain patients with lumbar disc-related symptoms.
However, the overall evidence remains mixed, and spinal decompression has not been established as a reliable way to reverse disc herniations or eliminate the need for surgery.
A thorough evaluation is necessary to determine whether the patient's condition may be appropriate for conservative care.
Why Dr. Boelk Uses the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression System
The DRX9000 is a specialized motorized traction system designed to apply controlled pulling forces to the spine.
During treatment, patients are positioned on a treatment table while the equipment delivers programmed cycles of traction and relaxation.
Treatment parameters can be adjusted according to the patient's condition, tolerance, and response.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, the facility includes:
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Four DRX9000 lumbar spinal decompression systems
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Three cervical spinal decompression systems
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Seven total spinal decompression units
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Dedicated treatment areas
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Individualized treatment protocols
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Rehabilitation and spinal stabilization services
Dr. Boelk has focused extensively on the DRX9000 platform and has trained other healthcare professionals in its clinical application.
Although the system provides controlled mechanical traction, current research does not establish that the DRX9000 is universally superior to other traction systems.
Appropriate patient selection, clinical judgment, and rehabilitation remain important parts of treatment.
Patient Experience: Severe Sciatica and Lower Back Pain
Sciatica can be especially difficult because symptoms often travel beyond the lower back and into the leg.
Some patients experience burning pain, tingling, numbness, or shooting discomfort that interferes with sitting, walking, or sleeping.
Abel T. shared his experience after an accident caused severe back pain and radiating sciatic symptoms.
Patient Testimonial – 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.”
Why Experience Matters When Choosing a Spinal Decompression Chiropractor
Spinal decompression should not be approached as a one-size-fits-all treatment.
A patient with an L5-S1 disc herniation causing S1 nerve irritation may have very different needs from someone with cervical foraminal stenosis and radiating arm pain.
Likewise, patients with significant spinal instability, progressive neurological weakness, or certain postoperative conditions may not be appropriate candidates.
Dr. Boelk has overseen more than 100,000 spinal decompression treatment sessions during his clinical career.
He also founded the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he teaches other doctors about patient selection, treatment protocols, and decompression techniques.
His approach emphasizes understanding the patient's condition before recommending treatment.
Meet Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC
Dr. Boelk's interest in spinal rehabilitation began with his own experience as a patient.
As a teenager, he fractured his lower back and later experienced lumbar disc herniations and sciatica.
Those injuries influenced his professional interest in helping people manage spinal pain and regain function.
He understands how difficult it can be when back or neck pain interferes with exercise, work, family activities, and an active lifestyle.
Over the years, he has devoted thousands of hours to his own spinal rehabilitation while helping patients with similar conditions.
His professional qualifications and experience include:
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Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
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Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
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Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
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Founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy
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Founding Member of the American Spinal Decompression Society
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Member of the International Disc Education Association
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California X-ray Radiology Licensed Doctor
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More than 22 years of clinical experience
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Experience overseeing more than 100,000 spinal decompression treatment sessions
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Advanced experience with DRX9000 lumbar and cervical spinal decompression systems
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Instructor for doctors learning non-surgical spinal decompression protocols and techniques
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Extensive experience evaluating herniated discs, sciatica, and chronic spinal conditions
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Specialized interest in spinal rehabilitation, mobility, and stabilization
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Personal experience recovering from a spinal fracture, disc herniations, and sciatica
Dr. Boelk continues to maintain an active lifestyle that includes strength training, surfing, and other recreational activities.
His approach emphasizes helping patients improve function and return to the activities that matter to them whenever possible.
What Happens During a Spinal Decompression Evaluation?
A thorough evaluation is important because symptoms that appear similar can have very different causes.
For example, lower back pain with leg symptoms may be related to a disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or another condition.
Dr. Boelk considers several factors when evaluating prospective patients.
Medical history: Reviewing symptoms, previous injuries, surgeries, and treatment experiences.
Physical examination: Assessing movement, function, and relevant musculoskeletal findings.
Neurological examination: Evaluating muscle strength, reflexes, sensation, and other findings when indicated.
Imaging review: Reviewing available MRI or X-ray studies and determining whether additional imaging is necessary.
Spinal stability: Standing spinal X-rays, including flexion and extension views when clinically appropriate, may help identify certain forms of instability.
Treatment candidacy: Determining whether spinal decompression is appropriate or whether another treatment approach or specialist referral is preferable.
Not every patient requires an MRI immediately, and imaging recommendations are individualized.
How Many Spinal Decompression Treatments Are Usually Recommended?
The number of sessions depends on the patient's condition, symptoms, treatment response, and clinical findings.
At Dr. Boelk's practice, many spinal decompression programs involve approximately 12 to 24 sessions, often scheduled several times per week.
A typical decompression session lasts approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Some patients may also benefit from a structured rehabilitation program involving spinal stabilization, mobility, and strengthening exercises.
Progress is periodically reassessed to determine whether meaningful improvement is occurring.
Treatment recommendations should be adjusted according to the patient's response rather than continuing indefinitely without reassessment.
Why Rehabilitation Is Important Alongside Spinal Decompression
Reducing pain is only one part of managing a spinal condition.
Patients also need to regain strength, movement confidence, and the ability to tolerate everyday activities.
Depending on the patient's diagnosis and symptoms, rehabilitation may include:
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Core stabilization exercises
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Modified bird dogs
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Glute strengthening
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Hip mobility exercises
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Progressive resistance training
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Walking programs
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Movement modification
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Postural endurance exercises
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Gradual return to sports and recreational activities
Exercise selection should be individualized.
Some patients with disc herniations experience increased symptoms with repeated lumbar flexion, while others may be more sensitive to extension.
The goal is to improve function without unnecessarily aggravating symptoms.
Not Everyone Is a Candidate for Spinal Decompression
One of the most important responsibilities of a spinal decompression chiropractor is recognizing when treatment is not appropriate.
Certain medical conditions may require additional evaluation or make decompression unsuitable.
These can include:
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Acute spinal fractures
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Significant spinal instability
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Progressive neurological weakness
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Certain postoperative conditions involving spinal hardware
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Spinal tumors or infections
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Severe osteoporosis
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Certain cases of significant spondylolisthesis
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Pregnancy when considering lumbar decompression
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Other conditions requiring specialist or surgical management
New bowel or bladder dysfunction, saddle anesthesia, or rapidly progressive neurological weakness requires emergency medical evaluation.
Dr. Boelk emphasizes patient selection and may recommend additional imaging or specialist consultation when necessary.
Patient Testimonial – Toni W., Lake Elsinore, CA
“Very nice Dr. and Honest ! I would definitely recommend anyone who hasn't had metal put in there back in a surgery to go to him and give his program a shot. I believe it would definitely help. Just not in my personal case. As I have a lot of hardware in my back. But I'm glad I took the time to meet with him. It was very informative all around.”
This experience reflects an important part of the clinic's approach: helping patients understand their options, even when spinal decompression is not recommended.
Do You Need an MRI Before Starting Spinal Decompression?
Not every patient requires an MRI before beginning conservative care.
However, MRI imaging may be appropriate when symptoms suggest significant nerve compression, neurological deficits are present, or additional diagnostic information is necessary.
Dr. Boelk reviews existing imaging and may recommend further studies when clinically indicated.
Standing spinal X-rays, including flexion and extension views when appropriate, may also be used to assess spinal alignment and possible instability.
The objective is to understand the patient's condition before recommending treatment.
Patients Travel From Chula Vista and Throughout South San Diego County
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego is located in Kearny Mesa and serves patients traveling from Chula Vista and surrounding South Bay communities.
The clinic serves patients from:
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Chula Vista
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Eastlake
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Otay Ranch
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Bonita
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National City
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Imperial Beach
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South San Diego
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Spring Valley
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Rancho San Diego
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La Mesa
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El Cajon
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Kearny Mesa
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Other San Diego County communities
Some patients also travel from outside California and international locations, including Mexico, Canada, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
For patients considering travel, the office can discuss the consultation process, available imaging, and scheduling considerations before making arrangements.
How to Choose a Spinal Decompression Chiropractor Near Chula Vista
When researching spinal decompression treatment, patients should consider several important factors.
Experience: Does the chiropractor have extensive experience evaluating herniated discs, sciatica, and related spinal conditions?
Equipment: What type of spinal decompression system does the office use?
Patient selection: Does the provider explain which patients may not be appropriate candidates?
Individualized care: Is the treatment plan based on the patient's symptoms, examination findings, and imaging rather than a standard protocol for everyone?
Rehabilitation: Does the office address strength, movement, and activity modification alongside symptom management?
Communication: Does the provider explain the diagnosis, available options, expected costs, and realistic treatment goals?
Honest recommendations: Is the provider willing to recommend another specialist or surgical evaluation when appropriate?
Dr. Boelk has built his practice around these considerations, with a particular emphasis on disc-related spinal conditions and non-surgical spinal decompression.
Schedule a No-Charge Consultation With a Spinal Decompression Chiropractor Near Chula Vista, CA
If you've been struggling with a herniated disc, sciatica, chronic lower back pain, or persistent neck pain, you may be wondering whether spinal decompression is worth considering.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC, offers limited no-charge consultations for individuals interested in learning more about non-surgical spinal decompression.
During the consultation, patients can:
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Discuss their symptoms and concerns.
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Review previous treatment experiences.
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Discuss existing MRI or X-ray findings.
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Learn how DRX9000 spinal decompression works.
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Understand whether further examination may be appropriate.
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Ask questions about conservative treatment options.
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Learn about potential next steps before making a decision.
The consultation is provided at no charge and carries no obligation to begin treatment. Any recommended examination, imaging, or treatment is discussed separately.
For Chula Vista residents looking for an experienced spinal decompression chiropractor, the center offers an opportunity to explore whether non-surgical treatment may be appropriate.
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC
Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
Founder, Spinal Decompression Training Academy
Office Address:
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: 619-298-0800
Website: www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
Email: frontdesk@sandiegobackcare.com
24/7 telephone answering service available. Hablamos Español.
Located in Kearny Mesa, serving Chula Vista and communities throughout San Diego County.
If you're looking for a spinal decompression chiropractor near Chula Vista, contact the office to learn whether a consultation with Dr. Boelk may be appropriate for your condition.