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Who Is a Good Candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression? Scripps Ranch, CA

Who Is a Good Candidate for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression? Scripps Ranch, CA

A common mistake patients make when researching Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is assuming that a certain diagnosis automatically makes them a candidate.

Herniated disc? Do decompression.

Sciatica? Do decompression.

It isn't that simple.

Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC has worked with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression for more than 22 years and has performed more than 100,000 decompression treatments. Before recommending treatment, he wants to understand why the patient hurts, what the imaging shows, whether the symptoms and imaging match, and whether there are any reasons decompression should not be performed.

Patients from Scripps Ranch and throughout San Diego come to The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego with everything from relatively recent disc injuries to back and neck problems they have been dealing with for years.

The first job is determining whether they are actually a candidate.

What Types of Patients Does Dr. Boelk Evaluate?

Conditions commonly evaluated for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression include:

  • Herniated discs

  • Bulging or protruding discs

  • Sciatica

  • Lumbar radiculopathy

  • Cervical radiculopathy

  • Degenerative disc disease

  • Discogenic lower-back pain

  • Disc-related neck pain

  • Foraminal stenosis

  • Selected cases of spinal stenosis

  • Stable spondylolisthesis in selected cases

  • Chronic back or neck pain associated with disc problems

  • Certain patients with continued symptoms after previous spinal surgery

But the diagnosis is only the beginning.

Two people can have nearly identical words on their MRI reports and have very different symptoms—and very different treatment recommendations.

The Symptoms Matter

Dr. Boelk wants patients to describe exactly what is happening.

For a lower-back problem, that may include:

  • Lower-back pain or stiffness

  • Glute pain

  • Pain traveling down one leg

  • Burning or tingling

  • Numbness

  • Calf or foot symptoms

  • Difficulty sitting

  • Pain while driving

  • Trouble standing or walking

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Weakness in the leg or foot

With a cervical disc problem, symptoms may extend from the neck into the shoulder, arm, hand or fingers.

These patterns can help Dr. Boelk determine whether a disc or nerve problem seen on imaging is likely related to what the patient is feeling.

When Sciatica Doesn't Go Away

Michael Langsdale came to Dr. Boelk after months of sciatica and after trying decompression elsewhere without getting the result he wanted.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Michael Langsdale — San Diego, CA

“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

Michael's experience brings up an important point: simply receiving something called “spinal decompression” doesn't mean every office is using the same equipment, patient-selection process or treatment protocol.

No-Charge Consultation for Scripps Ranch Patients

Dr. Boelk offers a No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation for patients who want to find out whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may be appropriate.

If you already have an MRI, bring the actual images and report if possible. Previous X-rays, surgical reports and other relevant records may also be helpful.

During the consultation, Dr. Boelk will want to understand:

  • Where the pain begins and where it travels

  • Whether you have numbness or tingling

  • Whether you experience burning or electrical pain

  • Whether you've noticed weakness

  • How sitting affects your symptoms

  • Whether driving is difficult

  • How long you can comfortably walk or stand

  • Whether pain interferes with sleep

  • How the problem started

  • Previous spinal injuries or surgeries

  • Treatments you've already tried

  • What helped and what didn't

If you don't have imaging, you can still schedule a consultation. Dr. Boelk can determine whether additional evaluation or imaging may be appropriate.

The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: 619-298-0800
www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
Live 24/7 Answering Service • Hablamos Español

Does the MRI Match What You're Feeling?

This is an important part of determining candidacy.

Suppose an MRI shows an L4-L5 disc herniation.

Dr. Boelk doesn't stop there.

He wants to know whether the patient has lower-back pain, glute pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling or weakness that could reasonably correspond with the affected nerve.

The same is true for an L5-S1 disc problem or a cervical disc herniation.

An MRI may show several abnormalities. Not every abnormality is necessarily producing symptoms.

The challenge is determining which findings matter.

A Bigger Disc Herniation Doesn't Always Mean Worse Symptoms

Patients understandably pay attention to measurements on their MRI reports.

But a 5 mm disc herniation isn't automatically more painful than a 3 mm herniation.

Location matters.

The amount of space around the nerve matters.

Other degenerative changes matter.

A smaller protrusion in a tight area can potentially cause significant nerve symptoms, while another patient may have a larger abnormality without the same clinical picture.

This is why Dr. Boelk prefers to review the actual MRI images whenever possible.

Can Someone With Degenerative Disc Disease Be a Candidate?

Some patients can.

Degenerative disc disease may involve loss of disc hydration and height. Over time, those changes can affect spinal mechanics and may reduce the amount of space available around a nerve.

But degeneration is also extremely common.

A patient may have degenerative discs on an MRI without those discs being the primary source of pain.

Dr. Boelk compares the imaging with the symptoms and examination before deciding whether decompression is appropriate.

What About Spinal Stenosis?

Some cases of spinal stenosis may also be considered.

Stenosis means narrowing. That narrowing may occur in the central spinal canal or around the openings where the spinal nerves exit.

Disc degeneration, disc bulging and loss of disc height can contribute to narrowing, but they aren't the only possible causes.

Dr. Boelk wants to see:

  • Where the narrowing is located

  • What is contributing to it

  • How much space remains around the nerve

  • Whether the patient's symptoms fit the imaging

  • Whether the spine is stable

More advanced cases may require another approach.

What if You've Already Tried Physical Therapy, Chiropractic or Injections?

Many patients who come to the office have already tried several treatments.

That history can actually be helpful.

Tell Dr. Boelk if you have tried:

  • Physical therapy

  • Chiropractic care

  • Home exercises

  • Massage

  • Acupuncture

  • Anti-inflammatory medications

  • Pain medication

  • Epidural steroid injections

  • Rest

  • Activity modification

Also explain how you responded.

Did an injection reduce the leg pain for several weeks before it returned?

Did physical therapy help your back but aggravate your leg?

Does a particular exercise consistently cause numbness or tingling?

Those details help build a clearer picture of the condition.

Pay Attention to Where Your Symptoms Travel

One simple thing patients can do before an evaluation is pay attention to the location of their symptoms.

If pain is traveling down the leg, notice how far it goes.

Does it stop at the glute?

The thigh?

The calf?

The ankle?

The foot?

Notice numbness and tingling as well.

If an exercise or stretch repeatedly causes symptoms to travel farther down the leg, don't assume that pushing harder is necessarily helpful.

For patients whose symptoms are aggravated by prolonged sitting, breaking up sitting time and taking short, comfortable walks may be useful if walking is well tolerated.

Why Dr. Boelk Uses the DRX9000

The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego exclusively uses the DRX9000.

The office has seven systems—four lumbar and three cervical.

Treatment involves controlled cycles of decompression and relaxation, but Dr. Boelk doesn't use one universal protocol for every patient.

Treatment may be adjusted according to factors such as:

  • Disc level

  • Treatment angle

  • Positioning

  • Starting force

  • Body size

  • Symptoms

  • Patient tolerance

  • Response to previous sessions

There isn't a single “herniated disc” or “sciatica” setting that is right for everyone.

Some Patients Travel a Long Way for Treatment

Dee M. traveled from Arizona and described the effect decompression had on symptoms extending into her feet.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Dee M. — Peoria, AZ

"Dr Boelk is highly knowledgeable and has made a difference in my life.

I have a degenerative bone issue in my lower back. Spinal decompression is the only way that gives me relief all the way to my feet. I highly recommend

the Spinal Decompression center."

— Dee M., Peoria, AZ

Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Spinal Decompression?

Patient selection also means recognizing when decompression should not be performed.

Conditions that may make a patient inappropriate for treatment or require additional medical evaluation can include:

  • Unstable spondylolisthesis

  • An unhealed spinal fracture

  • Significant osteoporosis

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm

  • Pregnancy for lumbar decompression

  • Certain malignancies

  • Certain surgical hardware at the treatment level

  • Progressive neurological weakness

  • Cauda equina syndrome

  • Other medical or structural conditions that may make decompression unsafe

Previous spinal surgery also needs to be evaluated carefully.

A previous discectomy, for example, is very different from a fusion with extensive hardware. Dr. Boelk needs to know what procedure was performed, what level was involved and what the current imaging shows.

Sometimes Dr. Boelk Recommends Another Direction

Jeff J. traveled from Tucson after researching Dr. Boelk's office. After the evaluation, decompression was not recommended.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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.”

— Jeff J., Tucson, AZ

The consultation is valuable even when the answer is no.

If Dr. Boelk believes another type of care is more appropriate, the patient should know that before spending time and money on a treatment that isn't a good fit.

Symptoms That Need Prompt Medical Attention

There are certain symptoms that should not wait for a routine decompression evaluation.

Seek prompt medical attention for:

  • New bowel or bladder dysfunction

  • Difficulty urinating

  • Numbness around the groin or saddle area

  • Rapidly progressing weakness

  • Sudden loss of control of a leg or foot

These symptoms can indicate a more serious neurological problem.

More Than 22 Years Working With Spinal Decompression

Dr. Boelk's professional background includes:

  • Doctor of Chiropractic

  • Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor

  • Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist

  • More than 22 years of clinical experience

  • More than 100,000 spinal decompression treatments performed

  • Founder, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Training Academy

  • Trains other doctors in spinal decompression protocols and techniques

  • Founding Member, American Spinal Decompression Society

  • Member, International Disc Education Association

  • California X-ray radiography credentials

His understanding of spinal injuries is also personal.

Dr. Boelk suffered an L5 compression fracture at age 16 and later experienced disc injuries and sciatica himself. His own experience with injury and rehabilitation has influenced the way he evaluates and treats patients with chronic spinal problems.

Find Out if Spinal Decompression Is Appropriate for You

If you live in Scripps Ranch and are dealing with a herniated disc, bulging disc, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, stenosis or persistent back or neck pain, you don't have to determine candidacy from an MRI report or an internet search.

Bring your MRI images, X-rays and reports if you have them.

If you don't have imaging, that's okay.

Dr. Boelk offers a No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation to review your symptoms, discuss your history and determine whether Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression may be an appropriate option.

Not every patient is a candidate. If Dr. Boelk doesn't believe decompression is appropriate, he will tell you.

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

Phone: 619-298-0800
www.SanDiegoBackCare.com

Live 24/7 Answering Service • Hablamos Español

Call 619-298-0800 to schedule a No-Charge, No-Obligation Consultation.

Get Fast Pain Relief Now

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(619) 298-0800