Treatment Options for Severe Back Pain in La Jolla, CA
Living with severe back pain can significantly impact your quality of life. Simple tasks become challenging, and finding long-term relief can be frustrating. If you’re searching for safe, effective, and lasting treatment options in La Jolla, San Diego, understanding the root causes of back pain and exploring advanced solutions like Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) is essential.
What Causes Severe Back Pain?
While back pain can arise from various sources, many severe and chronic cases are caused by disc-related problems, including:
✅ Bulging Discs: Weakening of the outer disc layer causes it to bulge outward.
✅ Herniated Discs: The disc’s inner material pushes out, compressing nearby nerves.
✅ Disc Protrusions & Extrusions: More severe disc displacements that can cause intense nerve pressure and radiating pain.
Why Do Disc Issues Occur?
Common causes include:
🔹 Poor posture and extended periods of sitting
🔹 Improper lifting or twisting movements
🔹 Repetitive strain from physical activities or work demands
🔹 Natural age-related degeneration of spinal discs
🔹 Traumatic injuries, falls, or car accidents
When spinal discs compress surrounding nerves, patients often experience sciatica, numbness, burning sensations, weakness, and reduced mobility.
At-Home Strategies to Manage Pain
Before seeking professional care, certain home remedies may provide temporary relief:
🏠 Gentle Movement: Light walking can help reduce stiffness and promote circulation.
🧊 Ice Therapy: Apply ice to painful areas for 15-20 minutes to ease inflammation.
💧 Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports disc health and spinal flexibility.
🪑 Mind Your Posture: Use lumbar support and avoid slouching while sitting.
🚫 Limit Lifting and Twisting: These movements can worsen disc compression.
⚠️ Important: If you experience increased pain, leg weakness, numbness, or changes in bowel or bladder control, seek medical attention immediately.
Why Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) Can Make a Difference
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) is a breakthrough, non-invasive therapy designed to target the root cause of many back pain conditions by reducing disc pressure and allowing healing to occur naturally.
How Does NSSD Work?
NSSD works by gently stretching the spine through controlled decompression cycles. This creates a negative pressure within the spinal discs, which can:
✅ Retract bulging or herniated disc material away from nerve roots
✅ Increase nutrient and oxygen flow to damaged discs for enhanced healing
✅ Improve hydration within the discs, restoring their natural cushioning
✅ Relieve nerve compression, reducing pain, numbness, and tingling
Why We Only Use the DRX9000 System
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, we exclusively use the FDA-cleared DRX9000 spinal decompression system—recognized as the most advanced and researched spinal decompression technology available.
🔹 Precision & Customization: The DRX9000 provides precise control over pull forces and angles, allowing us to customize treatment to each patient’s condition.
🔹 Safety & Comfort: Built-in sensors continuously monitor the patient’s response, ensuring safe and gentle decompression without muscle guarding.
🔹 Proven Results: Backed by studies from prestigious institutions such as Stanford University, Johns Hopkins, Duke Medical Center, and Mayo Clinic, the DRX9000 has been shown to deliver high success rates for patients with disc-related conditions.
🔹 Superior to Basic Decompression Tables: Unlike many cheaper alternatives, the DRX9000’s technology allows for more effective disc rehydration and decompression, which translates to better, longer-lasting results.
Bottom line: We choose the DRX9000 because we believe our patients deserve the safest, most effective solution for their back pain.
Why Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC, Is La Jolla’s Trusted Expert in NSSD
For those seeking top-tier spinal decompression care near La Jolla, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC has become the go-to specialist for patients dealing with severe back pain, sciatica, and complex disc conditions.
Why Patients and Doctors Choose Dr. Boelk:
🌟 Over 20 years of experience helping patients avoid surgery and regain function
🌟 Successfully performed over 50,000 spinal decompression treatments
🌟 Founder of the Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy, training doctors nationwide
🌟 Patients travel from across the U.S. and internationally (Mexico, Canada, Spain, UK) to seek his expertise
🌟 Trusted by medical doctors, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and physical therapists who regularly refer patients to him
🌟 Combines passive therapies (like NSSD) with active rehabilitation for long-term success
Dr. Boelk’s approach is centered around thorough patient assessments and tailored treatment protocols to maximize results while prioritizing patient safety.
Why Active Therapy Is Essential for Lasting Results
While NSSD provides significant relief, lasting change requires addressing underlying functional issues through active therapy.
Benefits of Combining NSSD with Active Rehabilitation:
✅ Strengthens supportive muscles around the spine
✅ Corrects posture and movement patterns that contribute to disc issues
✅ Enhances spinal stability to prevent future injuries
✅ Reduces the risk of recurring pain and dysfunction
⚠️ Timing is critical: With severe disc injuries, starting core exercises too soon can worsen symptoms. Dr. Boelk ensures that active therapy is introduced only when appropriate for safe, long-term recovery.
Real Patient Success Story: Kaitelyn H.
"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. | 2/11/22
Stories like Kaitelyn’s are why so many patients trust Dr. Boelk with their care.
When Surgery May Still Be Necessary
While our goal is to avoid surgery, there are cases where it may be the best option. Dr. Boelk is transparent with patients—if it appears that NSSD won’t provide adequate relief, he’ll refer you to a trusted surgeon for further evaluation.
For instance, a patient with a large disc extrusion was informed that NSSD had a 50% chance of success. After a 12-session trial, both doctor and patient were able to make an informed decision about the next steps.
Take Control of Your Back Pain Today
If you’re dealing with severe back pain in La Jolla, San Diego, you don’t have to settle for surgery or temporary fixes. With the right combination of advanced spinal decompression (NSSD) and targeted rehabilitation, you can regain your quality of life.
📞 Call us today at 619-298-0800 or 619-884-8298 to schedule your consultation.
📍 Visit us at: 5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92123 (Convenient to La Jolla residents)
🌐 Learn more: www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
Why Choose Us?
✅ Over 50,000 spinal decompression treatments performed
✅ Patients travel from around the world to seek Dr. Boelk’s expertise
✅ Medical professionals and specialists trust and refer their patients to us
✅ Personalized treatment plans using FDA-cleared DRX9000 technology
✅ Comprehensive care with both passive and active therapies
✅ Honest assessments with referrals for surgery when necessary
✅ Conveniently located for La Jolla and greater San Diego residents
🔔 Important Notice:
- Due to high demand, patients are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of referral source.
- We do everything possible to accommodate new patients each week while ensuring Dr. Boelk has the time to thoroughly evaluate each case.
- Early scheduling is recommended to secure your appointment.