Surgical Alternatives for Severe Sciatica San Diego, CA: Finding Lasting Relief Without Surgery

Sciatica is one of the most debilitating conditions a person can experience, often causing severe pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness that radiates from the lower back down the leg. In many cases, patients are told that surgery is their only option, but for most, that simply isn't true.

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, we specialize in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD)—a safe, effective, and research-backed alternative to surgery that directly treats the root cause of sciatica. Our clinic has helped thousands of patients avoid surgery and find lasting relief using the FDA-cleared DRX9000 spinal decompression system, the most advanced and effective technology available.

What Causes Severe Sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve—the largest nerve in the body—becomes compressed. This compression often leads to intense, radiating pain that can make it difficult to walk, sit, sleep, or perform daily activities. The most common causes of severe sciatica include:

✅ Herniated or Bulging Discs – When spinal discs shift out of place, they can press directly on the sciatic nerve.
✅ Degenerative Disc Disease – As discs break down over time, they lose height and can collapse, increasing pressure on the nerve.
✅ Spinal Stenosis – The narrowing of the spinal canal can lead to nerve compression, worsening sciatic symptoms.
✅ Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction – If the SI joint is unstable or inflamed, it can create sciatic-like pain.
✅ Muscle Imbalances & Poor Biomechanics – Weak or tight muscles in the lower back, hips, and legs can contribute to nerve compression and dysfunction.

While some doctors recommend spinal fusion, laminectomy, or discectomy, surgery often comes with long recovery times, risks, and a high failure rate—with many patients still experiencing pain after surgery.

How Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) Treats the Root Cause of Sciatica

At our clinic, we use the DRX9000, the most advanced and FDA-cleared spinal decompression system, to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve without surgery.

How It Works:

✔ Gently decompresses the spine, reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
✔ Creates negative pressure inside the discs, allowing bulging or herniated discs to retract.
✔ Restores hydration and nutrients to the discs, promoting natural healing.
✔ Relieves pain without drugs, injections, or surgery.

Unlike traditional chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression provides real structural healing by correcting the spinal disc compression that triggers sciatica.

Why We Only Use the DRX9000 for Spinal Decompression

Not all spinal decompression machines are created equal. At our clinic, we exclusively use the DRX9000 because it is:

🔹 FDA-cleared and backed by research from Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, and Duke Medical Center.
🔹 Designed for precision, targeting specific spinal levels with controlled decompression.
🔹 More effective than traditional traction machines, which do not create the necessary negative pressure for disc healing.

By using the DRX9000, we provide the safest and most effective non-surgical treatment for sciatica—giving our patients the best chance at full recovery without surgery.

Why Passive Therapy (NSSD) Must Be Combined with Active Therapy

While Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is highly effective, it is still a passive treatment—meaning it must be combined with active rehabilitation to prevent reinjury and ensure long-term success.

🔹 Core Strengthening & Spinal Stability Work – Strengthening deep core muscles helps support the spine and prevent future disc issues.
🔹 Flexibility & Mobility Training – Ensuring proper movement mechanics reduces stress on the lower back and sciatic nerve.
🔹 Postural & Movement Corrections – Poor posture and incorrect lifting techniques can lead to reinjury—correcting these habits is essential.

At our clinic, we customize every patient’s treatment plan to include the right combination of passive and active therapy, ensuring long-term relief and preventing the condition from returning.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC

Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC, is one of the leading experts in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and the founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he trains doctors nationwide in proper spinal decompression protocols.

✔ Over 50,000 spinal decompression treatments performed
✔ Seven DRX9000 spinal decompression tables – the largest provider in California
✔ FDA-cleared, research-backed spinal decompression therapy
✔ Comprehensive care combining decompression, rehab, and spinal stability training
✔ Patients fly in from across the U.S. and internationally for his expertise
✔ Regardless of referrals from medical doctors, orthopedic specialists, neurologists, or chiropractors, every case is thoroughly evaluated to determine the best treatment approach

Many people are told that surgery is their only option—but for most, that simply isn’t true.

Real Patients, Real Results – Testimonials from San Diego & Beyond

“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

These are just a few examples of the hundreds of patients who have found lasting relief from sciatica without surgery at our clinic.

Find Lasting Sciatica Relief – Contact Us Today

If you’ve been struggling with severe sciatica and want to avoid surgery, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is the most effective treatment option. Relief is possible without injections, drugs, or downtime.

📍 The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
📍 5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92123

📞 Call or Text: 619-298-0800
🌐 SanDiegoBackCare.com