Why Does My Sciatica Keep Coming Back? – San Diego, CA
One of the most frustrating things patients hear is:
“Your sciatica will probably just keep flaring up.”
For many people in San Diego, that becomes their reality for months or even years.
The pain improves temporarily…
Then returns again.
Sometimes worse.
Many patients begin noticing:
- Pain down the leg while driving
- Burning into the glute or calf
- Tingling in the foot
- Tightness in the low back
- Difficulty sleeping
- Pain sitting longer periods
- Flare-ups after bending or lifting
- Pain that keeps returning despite stretching or treatment
The problem is that many treatments only calm symptoms temporarily without addressing why the sciatica keeps returning in the first place.
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC specializes in helping patients with chronic sciatica, disc injuries, and nerve-related low back conditions using Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD), active rehabilitation, spinal stabilization, and customized treatment protocols.
Dr. Boelk is a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor, Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, and has personally performed over 100,000 spinal decompression sessions using the DRX9000 system.
Patients routinely travel from Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Alaska, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom seeking his expertise because many quickly realize that not all spinal decompression treatment is the same.
Why Sciatica Often Keeps Returning
Sciatica itself is usually not the root problem.
Sciatica is a symptom caused by irritation of a nerve in the lower spine.
In many cases, the underlying issue involves:
- Disc bulges
- Disc herniations
- Degenerative disc compression
- Poor posture
- Instability in the hips and core
- Repetitive spinal compression
- Improper movement mechanics
- Chronic sitting
- Repeated bending and twisting
Many patients temporarily reduce symptoms with:
- Rest
- Massage
- Medications
- Stretching
- Injections
- Adjustments
But if the underlying compression and movement dysfunction remain unchanged, symptoms often return.
This is one reason patients frequently feel better for a few days or weeks, then suddenly flare up again.
Why Stretching Alone Often Does Not Fix Sciatica
One of the biggest misconceptions with sciatica is believing more stretching automatically equals healing.
In reality, some disc-related conditions may actually worsen with aggressive forward bending and stretching.
This is especially true in patients who:
- Feel worse sitting
- Feel worse bending forward
- Have pain below the knee
- Experience numbness or tingling
- Have recurrent flare-ups
At our office, Dr. Boelk carefully evaluates whether symptoms appear related to:
- Disc compression
- Nerve irritation
- Instability
- Muscle imbalance
- Joint dysfunction
- Or another condition entirely
Not every patient is a candidate for spinal decompression treatment.
Part of the consultation process is determining whether the condition appears appropriate for care.
Why Our Office Uses the DRX9000
One of the biggest differences patients notice at our office is the level of customization involved with treatment.
Our office exclusively uses DRX9000 spinal decompression systems because of their precision and ability to create highly customized decompression protocols.
Our office currently houses seven DRX9000 systems:
- Four lumbar decompression units
- Three cervical decompression units
Unlike generalized traction, true Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression attempts to target specific spinal levels with customized pull angles and settings.
The goal is to help:
- Reduce pressure on compressed discs
- Reduce irritation around nerves
- Improve disc hydration
- Improve spacing in the spine
- Improve mobility
- Reduce muscle guarding and spasms
Many patients report improvements in:
- Sitting tolerance
- Sleep quality
- Walking
- Driving
- Leg pain
- Daily movement
Why Passive Therapy Alone Usually Is Not Enough
Even when decompression helps reduce nerve pressure, passive therapy alone often does not correct the underlying reason symptoms developed.
That is why Dr. Boelk integrates active rehabilitation alongside decompression whenever appropriate.
Treatment may include:
- Core stabilization
- Hip strengthening
- Glute activation
- Mobility work
- Postural correction
- Spinal stability exercises
- Movement retraining
The goal is not simply helping patients feel temporarily better.
The goal is helping patients move better while reducing stress on the spine long term.
Real Patient Testimonials
“I had severe sciatic pain going down my leg for months. Sitting, driving, and even sleeping became miserable. I had tried stretching, chiropractic adjustments, medications, and physical therapy with little improvement. After starting treatment with Dr. Boelk and the DRX9000, I slowly began noticing the leg pain calming down. Over time, I was able to sit longer, move better, and get back to doing normal activities again. What impressed me most was how thorough the office was and how customized everything felt compared to other places I had tried.”
— Michael Langsdale
Summary: Michael experienced chronic severe sciatica and found significant relief after undergoing customized Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and rehabilitation.
“For years I dealt with low back pain and sciatica that affected almost everything I did. I had trouble standing for long periods, trouble sitting, and was constantly thinking about my pain. Dr. Boelk’s office helped me understand what was happening with my discs and nerves. The decompression combined with the exercises and rehab made a major difference for me. I’m incredibly grateful I found this office before going down the surgery route.”
— Marlo Surovsky
Summary: Marlo experienced years of chronic low back pain and sciatica before finding relief through a combination of decompression and active rehabilitation.
“I had gone to another office before trying Dr. Boelk’s office, and the decompression machine and setup were nowhere near the same quality. The DRX9000 felt completely different, and Dr. Boelk spent much more time explaining what was actually causing my symptoms. After several treatments, my leg pain started improving and I was finally able to begin functioning more normally again.”
— Michael Langsdale
Summary: Michael highlights one of the biggest differences patients often discover — not all spinal decompression machines, protocols, or offices are equal.
“What I appreciated most was that Dr. Boelk was honest. He explained that not everyone is a candidate for spinal decompression and that every patient needs a different approach. I never felt rushed or pressured. The office took the time to evaluate everything carefully and explain why my symptoms were happening. Over time my sciatica improved significantly and I was able to get back to activities I had been avoiding.”
— Lisa S.
Summary: Lisa appreciated the thorough evaluation and individualized approach that helped her improve without feeling pressured into unnecessary treatment.
Why Patients Travel to See Dr. Boelk
Patients frequently travel from outside San Diego because of:
- Nearly 20 years specializing in decompression cases
- Over 100,000 spinal decompression sessions performed
- Exclusive use of DRX9000 technology
- Seven DRX9000 systems in-office
- Thorough evaluations
- Customized treatment protocols
- Integration of active rehabilitation
- Honest determination of candidacy
- Focus on helping patients avoid unnecessary surgery
Dr. Boelk also trains doctors nationwide through the Spinal Decompression Training Academy on proper decompression protocols and procedures.
What To Do Next
If your sciatica keeps returning and you are tired of temporary relief, medications, injections, or constantly modifying your life around your pain, the first step is determining whether you may actually be a candidate for treatment.
Step 1:
Schedule a no-charge consultation.
Step 2:
Bring any MRI reports or imaging if available (not required).
Step 3:
Dr. Boelk will determine whether your condition appears appropriate for treatment.
Because of the amount of time spent evaluating these cases thoroughly, availability for new patient consultations can become limited.
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego 92123
📞 Office: 619-298-0800
📱 Call or Text: 619-884-8298
🌐 Website:
Credentials & Experience
- Dr. Cassidy Boelk, DC
- Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
- Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
- Founder of the Spinal Decompression Training Academy
- Over 100,000 spinal decompression sessions performed
- Nearly 20 years helping patients avoid unnecessary surgery
- Exclusive use of DRX9000 spinal decompression systems
- Patients travel from across the U.S. and internationally for treatment
- Hablamos español
Please note: Regardless of referral source — including orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, medical doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, attorneys, or patient referrals — all new patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis so Dr. Boelk has adequate time to determine whether the patient is an appropriate candidate for treatment.