Surgical Alternatives for Spinal Stenosis Pain in San Diego, CA

 

Spinal stenosis is a condition that can cause chronic pain, numbness, weakness, and mobility issues, making even simple daily activities difficult. While many patients believe surgery is their only option, the reality is that many cases of spinal stenosis can be effectively treated without surgery. At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC specializes in Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) combined with active therapy to help patients experience lasting relief without the risks, downtime, or complications of surgery.

 

That being said, there are certainly cases where surgery is necessary, and Dr. Boelk maintains a thorough screening process to determine who is a good candidate for non-surgical treatment and who may require a surgical consultation. While we do not guarantee results, we only accept cases that we truly believe have the best chance for success.

 

What Causes Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, placing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This compression can lead to pain, weakness, numbness, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods. Some of the most common causes of spinal stenosis include:

• Herniated or Bulging Discs: When discs shift out of place, they can press against the nerves in the spinal canal.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: Over time, spinal discs lose height and elasticity, leading to a narrower spinal canal.
• Arthritis & Bone Spurs: Inflammation and bony growths can cause further narrowing of the canal.
• Thickened Ligaments: Ligaments that stabilize the spine can become thicker over time, encroaching on nerve space.
• Spinal Injuries: Trauma, fractures, or previous surgeries can lead to spinal stenosis.

For many patients, these issues do not require surgery and can be effectively managed using a combination of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) and active therapy.

 

Why Spinal Stenosis Can Be Successfully Treated Without Surgery

Many cases of spinal stenosis are caused by compression and inflammation of the spinal nerves—problems that can often be resolved through proper decompression and rehabilitation techniques rather than invasive procedures.

At our clinic, we use a two-part approach to treating spinal stenosis:

1. Passive Therapy – Relieving Pressure with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD)
2. Active Therapy – Strengthening & Stabilizing the Spine to Prevent Recurrence

 

Step 1: Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) – Relieving Pressure on the Nerves

NSSD is a non-invasive treatment that gently stretches the spine using controlled, computer-guided technology.This process helps:

✔ Increase Space in the Spinal Canal – By gently decompressing the spine, NSSD reduces nerve pressure, relieving pain and inflammation.
✔ Rehydrate and Heal Spinal Discs – When discs are compressed, they lose fluid and nutrients, which worsens degeneration. NSSD restores hydration and promotes healing.
✔ Reduce Herniated or Bulging Discs – Negative pressure created by decompression helps retract displaced disc material away from nerves.
✔ Eliminate Chronic Pain Without Surgery – Unlike medications, injections, or surgery, NSSD directly targets the cause of spinal stenosis pain.

At our clinic, we use the FDA-cleared DRX 9000 spinal decompression machine, which is the most advanced and well-researched system available today. Studies from Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, Duke Medical Center, and Mayo Clinic support its effectiveness in treating spinal stenosis, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and sciatica.

 

Step 2: Active Therapy – Strengthening & Stabilizing the Spine

While NSSD effectively relieves pressure on the nerves, lasting relief requires addressing movement, posture, and strength. That’s why active therapy is an essential part of our treatment approach.

✔ Core Strengthening & Spinal Stability – Strengthening the muscles surrounding the spine helps support the spinal column, preventing future compression.
✔ Postural & Movement Corrections – Many patients with spinal stenosis unknowingly move in ways that make their condition worse. Proper movement patterns reduce strain and improve function.
✔ Mobility & Flexibility Training – Tight muscles and restricted mobility can worsen nerve compression. Stretching and flexibility exercises help restore pain-free motion.

A combined approach of NSSD and active therapy ensures that patients not only find relief but also prevent their symptoms from returning.

 

Who is a Candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Stenosis Treatment?

While many patients experience significant relief with NSSD and active therapy, we know that not every case is a good fit for non-surgical care. That’s why we perform a thorough screening process before accepting patients into our program.

✔ Cases That Often Respond Well to NSSD & Active Therapy:

• Spinal stenosis due to herniated or bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease-related stenosis
• Patients experiencing chronic pain, numbness, or weakness but still mobile
• Those who want to avoid spinal surgery and its risks

✔ Cases That May Require Surgery:

• Severe instability in the spine
• Cauda Equina Syndrome (a medical emergency requiring immediate surgery)
• Severe nerve damage with progressive muscle weakness
• Cases where patients have already exhausted non-surgical options without improvement

Dr. Boelk believes in honest, transparent care, and if surgery is truly necessary, he will refer patients to trusted spine specialists to ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.

 

Why So Many Patients & Doctors Refer to Dr. Boelk

✔ 20+ Years of Experience – Specializing in spinal decompression therapy.
✔ 50,000+ Decompression Treatments Performed – Helping thousands of patients avoid surgery.
✔ Exclusive Use of the DRX 9000 – The most advanced and researched decompression technology available.
✔ Trusted by Medical Professionals – Many orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, and neurologists refer their patients to Dr. Boelk.
✔ Founder of the Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy – Training doctors worldwide on how to properly use NSSD.

 

Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief Without Surgery

If you’ve been told surgery is your only option, we encourage you to explore our proven non-surgical approachbefore making a final decision. While we cannot guarantee results, we have helped thousands of patients with spinal stenosis avoid surgery and regain their mobility.

Appointments are on a first-come basis, and we do all we can to accept a limited number of new patients each weekwhile ensuring that we maintain the highest level of care and attention to detail.

 

Schedule Your No-Charge Consultation Today

✔ Phone: 619-298-0800 or 619-884-8298
✔ Address: 5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92123
✔ Website: www.SanDiegoBackCare.com

 

#1 Rated Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Office in San Diego

Don’t let spinal stenosis limit your life. Call us today and start your journey to pain relief—without surgery!

 

Real Patient Testimonials

 

“I travel from the UK to see Dr. Boelk and his wonderful team. I have 3 bulging discs, and one is touching the nerve. The decompression treatment keeps me active, and I won’t go anywhere else for back treatment. This place is number one!”
— Lisa S., United Kingdom

 

“After treatment I’m back to shoveling snow, teaching school, and taking walks. I highly recommend Dr. Boelk and his clinic—you’ve created such a caring atmosphere. Anyone considering spinal decompression therapy should know it really makes a difference.”
— Lynn C., Alaska