Articles


What Is the Best Treatment for Sciatica Without Surgery? – San Diego, CA

What Is the Best Treatment for Sciatica Without Surgery? – San Diego, CA

Sciatica can be one of the most debilitating and frustrating conditions a person experiences. The pain is often sharp, burning, or electric in nature, radiating from the lower back through the hip, buttock, and down the leg. For many people, it disrupts sleep, limits work and physical activity, and slowly erodes quality of life.

If you’re searching for the best treatment for sciatica without surgery in San Diego, you’re not alone—and you’re asking the right question.

Why Sciatica Happens (And Why It Often Gets Worse)

Sciatica is not a diagnosis—it’s a symptom. In most cases, it’s caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, commonly from:

When pressure remains on the nerve, pain can intensify over time, spread further down the leg, and eventually lead to weakness, numbness, or tingling. Many patients are told their only options are pain medications, injections, or surgery—yet none of these address the mechanical compression causing the problem.

Why Many Sciatica Treatments Fail

Traditional approaches often focus on symptom management:

True improvement requires reducing pressure on the disc and nerve—not just calming symptoms.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression: A Leading Option for Sciatica Relief

One of the most effective non-surgical treatments for sciatica is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression, when performed correctly using FDA-cleared DRX9000 technology and individualized protocols.

This treatment is designed to:

At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, spinal decompression is never used as a standalone therapy—it’s part of a structured, physician-led care plan designed to get results while avoiding surgery whenever appropriate.


Real Patient Experiences with Sciatica Relief (San Diego, CA)

“For the first time in 10 years, I am totally pain free…”

“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:
Toni had exhausted nearly every conservative option and was on the verge of surgery before finding lasting relief through spinal decompression.


“As a firefighter… it’s totally worth looking into what Dr. Boelk can do for you.”

“Dr. Boelk has been a life saver. Have had constant lower back and sciatica pain for over 8 plus months, no pills helped and on track for multiple shots but with the treatment given I have found relief and down to zero pain. As a firefighter that relies on his body to help others and the results I have experienced it's totally worth looking into what Dr. Boelk can do for you.”
Joshua T., San Diego, CA

Summary:
Joshua needed a solution that allowed him to remain physically capable for his demanding career—without injections or surgery.


“I’ve been to other places with sub par machines…”

“I have had a wonderful experience with Dr. Boelk and his staff at the Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Center of San Diego. They have a great protocol and the best decompression machines. I’ve been to other places with sub par machines and didn’t get any benefit. Dr. Boelk is very attentive and cares about each person, you can see it in how he interacts with everyone. Been undergoing treatment for about 12 sessions now and the sciatica is gone and I’m almost back to normal, didn’t think it would ever heal but even after the first session I had tremendous relief and could sleep mostly pain free for the first time in months. Definitely worth the investment! Thank you!”
Michael Langsdale, San Diego, CA

Summary:
Michael’s experience highlights the importance of proper technology and protocols, not just “traction” or generic decompression.


“If you are on the verge of surgery, don’t do it until you give this Dr a chance…”

“There is not enough room to explain the relief Dr. Boelk has brought to me and my entire family. I found him after a year of sciatic pain. Couldn't play the sports I loved, no hockey, golf or surfing. The pain shooting from my hip to my left foot was to the point of unbearable. I had been visiting chiropractors since I was 18, temporary relief, but nothing consistent. Acupuncture helped a bit, physical therapy was unmanageable. I couldn't get a solid night sleep and didn't care to go on. But Then I met the Dr! I tell people regularly, he saved my life.
It was a regular routine of adjuments and excersises. A change of life patterns but 110% worth every effort. I have since had my wife, daughter, mother, father and multiple friends and clients visit Dr. Boelk. All thanking me for the referral. Last one was my firefighting friend that had horrible sciatica. He is now on the recovery train.
So without a doubt, if you are on the verge of surgery, don't do it until you give this Dr a chance to examine you 1st. He is honest, he will tell you if you are beyond repair.
I trust him with my life and my back. So should you!”

Jayson Yavorsky, San Diego, CA

Summary:
Jayson’s story reflects both the physical and emotional toll of sciatica—and the importance of honest evaluation before surgery.


“After the first 2 decompression sessions my sciatic pain was gone…”

“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:
Abel’s case demonstrates how decompression combined with rehabilitation can address both pain and long-term recovery.


Why Patients Choose Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC

About Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC


Next Steps Toward Lasting Sciatica Relief

If you’re dealing with sciatica, nerve pain, or disc-related leg pain, delaying care can allow nerve irritation to worsen and recovery to become more difficult.

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Call (619) 298-0800 or text (619) 884-8298 after hours

  2. Schedule your no-charge consultation to see if you qualify for DRX9000 spinal decompression

  3. Bring your MRI or X-rays if available

  4. Review your exam findings with Dr. Boelk so you can make an informed decision

👉 Consultations are no-charge and carry no obligation.

Because availability is limited and many patients travel from out of state and overseas, appointments fill quickly. Securing your spot early helps ensure timely evaluation and care.

📍 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 adequate time to determine whether you are a candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and whether your case can be accepted for care.

Get Fast Pain Relief Now

Schedule a Complimentary, No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation or to submit a question, simply fill out the form to the right and click submit.

(619) 298-0800