WHAT SIZE HERNIATED DISC REQUIRES SURGERY? - SAN DIEGO, CA
Did Your MRI Show A Large Herniated Disc?
If you've recently had an MRI and were told you have:
✔ A Large Herniated Disc
✔ A Disc Extrusion
✔ A Disc Protrusion
✔ A Large Disc Bulge
✔ A 6mm Herniation
✔ A 7mm Herniation
✔ An 8mm Herniation
✔ A 10mm Herniation
✔ A Severe Disc Injury
you may be wondering:
"Do I Need Surgery?"
"Can A Large Herniated Disc Heal Without Surgery?"
"Can A Disc Extrusion Heal?"
"What Size Herniated Disc Requires Surgery?"
"Is My Herniation Too Large To Heal Naturally?"
These are some of the most common questions Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC hears every week.
The answer often surprises patients.
Because in many cases:
The Size Of The Herniation Alone Does NOT Determine Whether Surgery Is Necessary.
SCHEDULE A NO-CHARGE CONSULTATION TO SEE IF YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE
Many patients simply want an honest opinion before making a major decision.
Your No-Charge Consultation with Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC may include:
✔ Review Of Symptoms
✔ MRI Review (If Available)
✔ Discussion Of Previous Treatments
✔ Discussion Of Potential Treatment Options
✔ Determination Of Whether You May Be A Candidate
Please Note:
⚠️ Not Every Patient Qualifies
⚠️ Not Every Patient Can Avoid Surgery
⚠️ Not Every Patient Is A Candidate
⚠️ Dr. Boelk Will Always Be Honest About Whether He Believes He Can Help
Because Dr. Boelk personally reviews imaging and determines candidacy, appointment availability is limited.
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"I NEVER ENDED UP NEEDING THE SURGERY APPOINTMENT"
Amanda – San Diego, CA
"Last year, I spent three months constantly going back and forth between doctor's appointments and urgent care. The pain was unbearable—I was taking medication regularly just to get through the day. Getting out of bed was excruciating, and walking or standing felt like torture. Every step filled me with dread.
In December, my doctor finally ordered an MRI. That's when I learned I had an extruded disc pressing on my L5 nerve, which affects the leg and foot. My doctor scheduled two follow-up appointments: one for pain management (spinal injections), and another to evaluate me for surgery.
Then I discovered spinal decompression therapy. I was thrilled to find a non-invasive alternative.
I never ended up needing either of those appointments.
Now, I'm walking regularly, standing up straight—something I couldn't do before. When I first sought help, I was so hunched over that I had to use a cane just to move forward. Because of the pain, I hadn't exercised in months. But now, I'm doing a program called 75 Hard which requires not one but two 45-minute workouts per day, and I've even gotten back to lifting weights.
I'm so thankful I found this place. It's conveniently located near my work, which makes it easy to fit sessions into my lunch break. Dr. Boelk and the staff are incredibly friendly and polite—it's always a pleasure to come in.
The environment is so relaxing that I look forward to each visit. I truly thank God for leading me to this alternative. It's made such a difference in my life."
DOES HERNIATION SIZE ACTUALLY MATTER?
The short answer is:
Yes... But Not In The Way Most People Think.
Many patients assume:
Bigger Herniation = Automatic Surgery
In reality, things are much more complicated.
Over the past 22 years, Dr. Boelk has seen:
✔ Patients with very large disc extrusions who avoided surgery
✔ Patients with relatively small disc herniations who required surgery
✔ Patients with severe MRI findings and minimal symptoms
✔ Patients with mild MRI findings and severe symptoms
The MRI is important.
But the MRI is only one piece of the puzzle.
Other factors matter as well.
Including:
✔ Pain Levels
✔ Leg Symptoms
✔ Numbness
✔ Tingling
✔ Weakness
✔ Reflex Changes
✔ Functional Limitations
✔ Progression Of Symptoms
This is why two patients with nearly identical MRI findings may receive completely different recommendations.
WHAT MAY REQUIRE SURGERY?
While many disc injuries can often be managed conservatively, there are situations where surgery may be appropriate.
Potential surgical considerations may include:
✔ Progressive Muscle Weakness
✔ Foot Drop
✔ Significant Loss Of Function
✔ Loss Of Bowel Control
✔ Loss Of Bladder Control
✔ Cauda Equina Syndrome
✔ Severe Neurological Deficits
✔ Failure Of Appropriate Conservative Care
These situations require immediate medical evaluation.
Every case is unique.
This is one reason an MRI should always be evaluated together with a patient's symptoms and clinical findings.
WHY DO LARGE DISC EXTRUSIONS SOMETIMES IMPROVE?
One thing many patients don't realize is that spinal discs have very little direct blood supply.
Unlike muscles and many other tissues, spinal discs are largely dependent upon diffusion to receive nutrients.
This is one reason disc injuries can be frustratingly slow to heal.
Many patients experience:
Relief.
Then a flare-up.
Relief again.
Then another setback.
For months—or even years.
Many eventually begin asking:
"Why Isn't This Getting Better?"
"Why Does It Keep Coming Back?"
"Will I Eventually Need Surgery?"
These are common concerns.
WHY NON-SURGICAL SPINAL DECOMPRESSION?
One goal of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is to create a pressure gradient within the disc.
This may help facilitate the movement of:
✔ Water
✔ Oxygen
✔ Nutrients
into damaged disc tissue.
Another goal is reducing pressure on irritated spinal nerves.
For the right patient, this may help improve the disc healing environment while reducing symptoms.
Not every patient qualifies.
That is why every patient is carefully evaluated before recommendations are made.
WHY PATIENTS SEEK OUT DR. CASSIDY JAMES BOELK, DC
Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC
✔ Doctor Of Chiropractic
✔ Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
✔ Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist (PPSC)
✔ California X-Ray Radiology Licensed Doctor
✔ Founder, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy
✔ Founding Member, American Spinal Decompression Society
✔ Member, International Disc Education Association
✔ Nearly 22 Years Helping Patients Avoid Back & Neck Surgery
✔ More Than 100,000 Spinal Decompression Treatments Performed
✔ Trainer Of Doctors Nationwide In Advanced Spinal Decompression Protocols
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center Of San Diego
✔ One Of California's Largest Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Centers
✔ 7 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Tables
✔ 4 Lumbar DRX9000 Systems
✔ 3 Cervical Decompression Systems
✔ Patients Travel From Throughout California
✔ Patients Travel From Arizona, Nevada, Alaska, Mexico, Canada, Spain & The United Kingdom
✔ Focused Primarily On Disc Injuries, Sciatica, Neck Pain & Nerve Conditions
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"AFTER ABOUT 12 TREATMENTS, MY SCIATICA WAS GONE"
Michael Langsdale – San Diego, CA
"I have had an outstanding experience with Dr. Boelk and his staff at The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego.
They follow a very structured treatment protocol and utilize the best spinal decompression equipment available. I've been treated elsewhere using lower-quality decompression systems and never experienced meaningful improvement.
Dr. Boelk is attentive, professional, and genuinely cares about every patient. You can see it in the way he interacts with everyone who walks through the door.
After about 12 treatments, my sciatica was gone and I was nearly back to normal. Honestly, I wasn't sure I would ever heal. What surprised me most was that after my very first treatment, I experienced significant relief and was able to sleep mostly pain-free for the first time in months.
The improvement has allowed me to get back to hiking, traveling, and enjoying life again.
This treatment was one of the best investments I've ever made.
Thank you, Dr. Boelk and your entire team."
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"IT HURT SO BAD IT MADE ME WANT TO CRY"
Anthony K. – San Diego, CA
"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 & 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!"
NOT EVERY PATIENT IS A CANDIDATE
One thing many patients appreciate about Dr. Boelk is honesty.
If he believes surgery is necessary, he will tell you.
If he believes you are not a candidate, he will tell you.
Not every patient qualifies for care.
And that's exactly how it should be.
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Jeff J. – Tucson, AZ
"I found this terrific practice on social media. I followed up and did my own research so I decided to pay them a visit.
The place is clean, well organized and run by a very efficient receptionist.
I met with the doctor and after a honest and forthright conversation, we both determined that surgery was my only option to correct my back issues.
I will return as a customer when the time is right."
SCHEDULE A NO-CHARGE CONSULTATION TO SEE IF YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE
If you've been diagnosed with:
✔ Herniated Disc
✔ Disc Bulge
✔ Disc Protrusion
✔ Disc Extrusion
✔ Sciatica
✔ Burning Leg Pain
✔ Foot Numbness
✔ Tingling
✔ Leg Weakness
and would like an honest evaluation before making a decision regarding surgery, the first step is scheduling a consultation.
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center Of San Diego
Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
📞 619-298-0800
✔ No-Charge Consultation
✔ 24/7 Live Answering Service
✔ Se Habla Español
✔ Not Every Patient Is Accepted
Because Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC personally reviews imaging and determines candidacy, appointment availability is limited.
If we do not believe we can help, we will tell you.
If we believe you may be a candidate, we will explain your options so you can make an informed decision regarding your health.