Spinal Decompression Without Surgery – San Diego, CA
Many people suffering from chronic neck pain, lower back pain, sciatica, or a pinched nerve begin searching online for one simple question:
“Is there a way to decompress the spine without surgery?”
For many patients, the answer is yes.
When spinal discs become compressed or injured, they can place pressure on nearby nerves and create symptoms such as radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs. While medications, injections, or surgery are often suggested, many patients today are seeking non-surgical treatments that address the root cause of the problem.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC specializes in treating disc injuries and nerve compression using Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) with the DRX9000 spinal decompression system.
Dr. Boelk has spent nearly 21 years specializing in spinal decompression care and has personally performed over 100,000 spinal decompression treatments, helping patients relieve disc pressure and avoid surgery whenever possible.
What Is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression refers to reducing pressure on the discs and nerves in the spine.
Your spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. These discs allow the spine to move while protecting the nerves that travel from the spinal cord into the arms and legs.
When discs become compressed, injured, or damaged, several things can happen:
• discs may bulge outward
• discs may herniate
• disc height may decrease
• nerves may become irritated or compressed
This pressure on the nerve is what often causes symptoms such as sciatica, arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Spinal decompression treatments aim to reduce this pressure so the disc and nerve can begin to recover.
What Causes Disc Compression?
Disc compression can develop gradually or from a specific injury.
Common causes include:
• heavy lifting injuries
• repetitive bending or twisting
• sports injuries
• car accidents
• degenerative disc changes
• prolonged poor posture
Over time, these stresses can cause the disc to bulge or herniate and press against nearby nerves.
Many people who believe they simply have back pain are actually experiencing nerve compression caused by disc damage.
How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Works
One of the most advanced non-surgical treatments designed to reduce disc pressure is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression.
At Dr. Boelk’s clinic, decompression is performed using the DRX9000 system, a computerized device designed to gently stretch the spine in a precise and controlled manner.
During treatment, the spine is slowly decompressed in cycles designed to reduce pressure within the disc.
This process may help:
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Reduce pressure inside the spinal disc
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Allow bulging or herniated discs to retract away from nerves
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Improve spacing between vertebrae
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Promote circulation of oxygen and nutrients within the disc
By lowering pressure within the disc, decompression therapy focuses on addressing the structural cause of the nerve irritation.
Why Not All Spinal Decompression Treatments Are the Same
Many patients assume spinal decompression is simply traction.
In reality, true spinal decompression requires precise computerized control and individualized treatment settings.
Successful outcomes depend on several factors:
• accurate diagnosis
• reviewing MRI imaging
• correct decompression angles
• individualized tension settings
• consistent treatment protocols
• integration of supportive therapies
Dr. Boelk has spent nearly two decades refining spinal decompression protocols and now trains doctors nationwide through the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where physicians learn how to properly perform decompression therapy.
Because of this experience, patients frequently travel from across the United States and internationally to receive care at his clinic.
Real Patient Experiences
“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!”
— Toni H., San Diego, CA
Summary: After nearly a decade of pain and failed treatments, Toni found complete relief from sciatica and back pain through Dr. Boelk’s decompression therapy.
“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: After years of severe back pain and a previous disc surgery, Anthony regained normal daily function through spinal decompression treatment.
“I decided to see Dr. Boelk after a pretty gnarly motocoss neck injury. At the Hospital I was at, I felt I was getting pressured into a surgery which I refused. A friend of a friend referred him after Dr. Boelk successfully treated his broken back. Dr. Boelk is a compassionate individual who truly cares about his patients. He looked at my MRI images, explained what he saw and potential routes for recovery. He could not treat me as I have to wait until the fracture in my neck heals, but the level of professionalism, compassion, caring and knowledge displayed by him was exceptional. He also recommended to seek an additional opinion form another neurosurgeon. My experience was that he really cares and he's not someone who would take advantage of the situation someone's in (unlike some other doctors). I will definitely be back and already recommended him to others as well! Thank you Dr. Boelk!”
— Jan H., San Marcos, CA
Summary: Even when treatment wasn’t appropriate yet, Jan appreciated Dr. Boelk’s honesty, professionalism, and patient-focused guidance.
“I was having pain radiating down my legs — I couldn’t sleep or walk normally. After treatment, I’m back to shoveling snow, teaching, walking… I can live again. It was absolutely worth traveling from Alaska to see Dr. Boelk and his team!”
— Lynn C., Alaska
Summary: Lynn traveled from Alaska to San Diego and was able to return to normal daily activities after decompression treatment.
“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.”
— Abel T., San Diego, CA
Summary: After severe sciatic nerve pain and multiple health struggles, Abel experienced life-changing improvement through decompression therapy and rehabilitation.
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 disc pain, nerve compression, or chronic neck or back issues, taking action early may help prevent the condition from worsening.
Here’s how to get started:
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Call (619) 298-0800
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Text (619) 884-8298 after hours
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Schedule your no-charge consultation
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Bring your MRI or X-rays if available
👉 Consultations are no-charge and carry no obligation.
Because many patients travel from outside San Diego and internationally to receive treatment, appointments can 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 treatment.