What is a compressed disc?
Essentially it is the same as a disc bulge, herniation, protrusion, extrusion etc. It is a disc that has been pushed down upon and then typically what happens is the inner portion of that disc cannot tolerate the pressure and the disc material pushes onto the spinal nerves which causes the pain and this is where we get the term disc "bulge" , "herniation" or "protrusion" depending on the size, location and severity of the disc compression.
Here is the problem with compressed discs....they typically will not heal on their own. The reason is when the disc is in a severe compressed state then oxygen, water and vital nutrients as well as blood flow are restricted to the disc, so healing cannot occur.
This is why we utilize something called NSSD, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression in order to take the pressure off the spinal disc and allow the disc to once again receive water, oxygen, nutrients and blood flow to allow healing to occur. Then when we feel it is appropriate, we begin spinal stabilization and strengthening to prevent the disc compression from a re-occurrence.
Our Clinic director and founder, Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC is a certified decompression doctor who has significant experience and knowledge in treating sciatica., disc bulges, disc herniations and disc related injuries. He is also a certified Pain Free Performance and exercise specialist who utilizes his knowledge to create spinal stabilization in his patients so the pain not only goes away fast, it stays away.
Our specialty is getting you back to your normal life, working, expecting, spending time with friends and family and enjoying life once again.
Rated the #1 Spinal Decompression office in San Diego for many reasons. Here is a quick guide to finding the best office when searching for Spinal Decompression:
1. Does the office specialize In
Spinal Decompression or is it just one of many multiple treatments they offer? We have seen many patients come from other offices who said they are specialists and experts in spinal decompression but only treat 3 or 4 patients a day on decompression.
2. Is the doctor or staff actually getting the patients on the treatments? Spinal Decompression is a specialized skill and requires daily decision making and protocols vary from person to person, it is not a one size fits all approach. Many patients come from different offices and inform us they were getting decompression but it was done by the staff and many times they are in pain when on the tables. The treatments should not be painful but feel good.
3. Is the doctor Certified? There are many doctors who are utilizing spinal decompression who are not certified. It is best to see someone who took the time and learned the process and is certified.
4. Do they have a good reputation and reviews that report the doctor and office and staff are looking out for the patient and there is a common theme of the doctor caring and wanting the best for their patients?
5. Experience? How long has the office been utilizing spinal decompression? How many sessions have they performed? You want to see someone who has a lot of experience and knowledge in their field when looking for spinal decompression offices.
Our office has been specializing in NSSD, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression for the past 18 years. Everyday we perform 35-45 sessions. Every single decompression session is performed by our doctor and not our staff. He determines the settings and has unique protocols for each patient that is dynamic.
Our clinic director and founder, Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC is Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor. You can look up reviews on him and the office
here. Over the past 18 years he has performed over 30,000 spinal decompression sessions.
For a no-charge, no-obligation consultation call 619-298-0800,
*Due to demand, regardless of referral from orthopedic surgeon, neurologist, chiropractor or other doctor, patients are seen on a first come first serve basis.
"I came in with extreme back pain, resulting in days where it was difficult to get out of bed. There were moments where I would be walking and then my back would lock up. I thought it was something I have dealt with in the past but this last the entire month of July. I finally dedicated myself to finding the long term solution.
‘I came to Dr. Boelk unsure about the process, but after he identified exactly what my ailment was, I felt confident that this was the long term solution I was looking for. I instantly felt better and Dr. Boelk kept encouraging me to trust the process and understand it will take time to feel 100%. I am now pain free and honestly feel stronger, even a little taller. I highly recommend you visit Dr. Boelk." - Ming T.
"I highly recommend Dr.Boelk to everyone who has issues with their back and neck. After 2 months of treatment I am feeling a considerable difference. Dr. Boelk's skills and experience are incredible. Especially I appreciate his "very cautious and attentive " approach to the health: no unnecessary adjustment and procedures. I am very grateful to Dr.Boelk for his knowledgeable and professional treatment." - Olga M.
"Dr. Boelk & his staff are by far the BEST at spinal decompression. I walked into his office unable to sit to do my job, where I was having to lay each day & within a couple of weeks he helped me with being able to sit again. His attention to you & the way he will make you feel is unparalleled. First of all, he has suffered from some severe back issues, so his empathy is very high. Secondly, he is extremely caring & genuinely wants to help people. I've never worked with a doctor who has cared as much and made me feel like I was his only patient before. There would be 4 people there at the same time, and he still made me feel this way. I guess I just cannot thank him enough & cannot recommend him enough. He is an angel on earth. If you visit him, please listen to him & follow his instructions. He knows what's best for you. " - Erin T
We are 5 star rated on over 200 reviews. Dr. Boelk utilizes methods that solved his severe neck and low back pain and disc herniations. Dr. Boelk holds the following licenses and certifications:
-Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
-California Licensed Doctor of Chiropractic
-Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
-California X-ray Radiology Licensed Doctor
-Pain Free Performance Specialist
-The International Disc Education Association Member
We specialize in the following conditions for the past 18 years:
Chronic Lower Back Pain
Neck Pain
Herniated Discs
Slipped Discs
Pinched Nerves
Disc Bulges
Degenerative Disc Disease
Sciatica
Spinal Stenosis
Neuropathy
With over 30, 000 treatments performed we have significant knowledge of Decompression protocols and getting and keeping people out of pain, Decompression gets right to the source of sciatic and disc issues as it decompresses the pressure that is causing the pain. Our clinic director is a Certified Spinal Decompression doctor as well as a Certified Pain Free Exercise Performance specialist. He has learned significant techniques throughout the years with spinal decompression and he has tested many of his protocols on his own disc injuries from all the sports he plays.
It is a gentle, relaxing treatment that works by creating separation between the compressed spinal vertebrae and releasing the pressure that is compressing the spinal disc. The disc hen releases the pressure or "pinch" it is having on the spinal nerve that is causing the pain. At the same time the spinal discs are then able to get water, oxygen and nutrients once again to begin healing as well as flushing out swelling and inflammation that is adding to the pain.
Unlike traction or inversion tables, the decompression machines we have been using for the last 18 years have 3 computers in each and during the treatment they are monitoring the muscles up to 16 times per second to ensure the muscles don't try to resist treatment and start pulling back once again.
There are many offices in San Diego who advertise to be experts in spinal decompression. It may be of benefit for you to do some research. There are multiple factors that go into utilizing spinal decompression properly. Unfortunately many offices are unaware of the proper protocols, are not certified and are "experts" at multiple services.
Realistically spinal decompression is a full time and all hands on deck treatment that requires significant knowledge of disc injuries, healing mechanisms, spinal biomechanics, spinal rehabilitation and spinal stabilization and multiple years of experience. Being an expert is said to require a minimum of 10,000 repetitions of something. Many offices have been utilizing decompression for only a few years to months and are advertising as experts, so just be aware of who you are seeing. We have compiled a quick reference guide to help.
Our treatment protocols are highly successful, personal and unique to each patient and the equipment we utilize has been proven effective by Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, Duke Medical Center and Mayo clinic among others.
Rated the #1 Spinal Decompression office in San Diego for many reasons.