Degenerative Disc Disease Pain Relief in Kearny Mesa, CA: Understanding Your Condition and Treatment Options
If you're dealing with pain and searching for relief from Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) in San Diego, you’re not alone. Many people face this condition and often wonder what it means for their future and how to best manage it. At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC, a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor, has extensive experience treating DDD, helping patients return to a pain-free life through individualized care.
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:
-#1 Rated Spinal Decompression Office In San Diego
-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
"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 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 20 years. Everyday we perform 40-50 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. We are the largest provider of spinal decompression that we know of in San Diego as well as the state of California.
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 20 years he has performed over 40,000 spinal decompression sessions.
Our treatments we use are clinically proven highly effective and have been researched by Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, Duke Medical Center and Mayo Clinic among others.
There are many offices that claim they are experts at spinal decompression but unfortunately lack the experience, knowledge and years it takes to become an expert. We have been utilizing decompression in San Diego for the past 20 years and have seen many offices and doctors come and go and many pop up and are instantly experts. Over the past 20 years we have performed over 40,000 spinal decompression visits and we are considered experts in spinal decompression. We are still always learning and updating our protocols to get even better results and learn how to help more people even faster, the learning never stops.
We treat both local San Diego as well as out of town residents as far away as Alaska and Spain and typically have patients from Mexico, El Centro, Calexico in our office daily. Spinal Decompression is a very relaxing, comfortable and effective treatment that helps patients with the following conditions:
Chronic Lower Back Pain
Neck Pain
Herniated Discs
Slipped Discs
Pinched Nerves
Disc Bulges
Degenerative Disc Disease
Sciatica
Spinal Stenosis
Neuropathy
With true spinal decompression, we can get water, oxygen and nutrients into the disc itself while flushing out swelling and inflammation which is adding to the pain. With traction and inversion tables the spinal muscles are unable to fully relax and thus they stay somewhat activated which then prevents the discs from getting into a negative pressure and healing properly and getting rid of the pain as much as possible.
Serious inquiries only please. For a no-charge, no-obligation consultation, call our office at 619-298-0800.
*Due to demand, regardless of referral from family physician, neurologist, orthopedic surgeon or chiropractor, patients are seen on a first come first serve basis.
Dr. Boelk’s excellent reviews are a testament not only to his expertise at treating patients of all ages and conditions, but also his compassionate and understanding approach to treatment. 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:
-#1 Rated Spinal Decompression Office In San Diego
-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
Dr Boelk is thorough, technical, and explains everything very well. Excellent bedside manner and all the staff are very nice. Decompression treatment is effective and I have no more neck pain." - Andre G.
"Dr. Boelk is professional and kind. He has the health of his patients as his top priority. The decompression treatments, exercises, and diet adjustments he recommended and administered have so diminished my back pain that I can sleep again. Chiropractic adjustments did not help my lower back. Decompression did. I highly recommend Dr. Boelk."- Steve R.
--When it comes to spinal decompression and severe neck and back pain, you want to go to the best and get the fastest relief possible and keep the pain away. For the past 20 years we have been helping people just like you get rid of their neck and back pain without the use of drugs, injections, surgery, physical therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, cupping or chiropractic adjustments.
Hi my name is Mercedes Bautista. I found out about this treatment on the internet and I came because I was searching for a doctor for my friend. I have always had low back problems, so Dr. Boelk suggested that I have an MRI done. I decided to go ahead and do it and what I found out was astonishing. Dr. Boelk told me I had a bulging disc and that my discs were dehydrated.
I went home very surprised and even scared.
That night with my husband I cried. My husband and I both talked about it and decided that the finances were worth getting my back fixed. The next thing we had to figure out was how I was going to get here, because I live in El Centro.
So we decided we were going to rent a car and I travel here 4 times a week. The girls here are wonderful and very awesome. They make you feel like family, it’s an extremely relaxing environment. I feel better and I have recommended this treatment to my family and friends. Thank You !
- Mercedes Bautista, El Centro, CA
We have been specializing in spinal decompression for the past 20 years. We see patients from all over San Diego County as well as out of town patients from Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Alaska, Mexico and Spain.
To see if you qualify for treatment, give the office a call. Out of town patients, we have 24 hour answering service and there are 3 hotels conveniently located down the street from the office in which most of our patients
What Is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?
Degenerative Disc Disease is a condition in which the spinal discs—those soft, cushion-like structures between your vertebrae—begin to wear down over time. This degeneration can result in reduced flexibility, decreased shock absorption, and increased friction between the bones of your spine, sometimes leading to pain, stiffness, and other discomforts.
While the term “disease” may sound alarming, DDD is a common part of aging. Everyone’s discs will naturally wear down to some degree over time, but not everyone experiences pain as a result.
How Does DDD Develop?
DDD typically develops due to age-related wear and tear on the spine. Over time, the discs lose water content, making them less effective at absorbing shocks and providing cushion between vertebrae. Factors that can accelerate disc degeneration include:
- Repetitive stress or trauma to the spine
- Poor posture
- Genetic predisposition
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Injury or overuse from activities such as heavy lifting or prolonged sitting
Despite the wear and tear on your discs, it’s important to remember that not everyone with DDD will experience pain. In fact, having degenerative changes on an MRI or X-ray doesn’t always mean you will have pain.The image results are like road maps of where your spine has been. Just like a scar on your face or body from a past injury, it doesn’t necessarily cause pain now, even though it once did. This is why a thorough assessment is needed to determine the actual source of your pain.
Why DDD May Not Be the Source of Your Pain
It’s easy to assume that if you have DDD, it must be the cause of your pain. However, many people with degenerative discs have no pain at all. Pain is complex, and what may appear as the cause on an MRI or X-ray may not be the true source of your discomfort. Just because your disc has degenerated doesn’t mean it is the current culprit for your pain.
That’s why it’s crucial to work with an expert like Dr. Boelk, who performs a thorough assessment to identify the actual source of your pain. By evaluating your symptoms, range of motion, muscle strength, posture, and other factors, Dr. Boelk can determine whether DDD is the issue or if something else is contributing to your discomfort.
What Can You Do to Help Degenerative Disc Disease?
While DDD can’t be reversed, there are many ways to manage the condition and reduce pain. Here are some steps you can take to help:
- Stay Active: Regular, low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga helps maintain flexibility, improve posture, and strengthen the muscles that support your spine.
- Maintain Good Posture: Proper alignment helps take the pressure off your discs, reducing the risk of pain and further degeneration.
- Strengthen Your Core: A strong core can support your spine and relieve pressure on the discs.
- Avoid Prolonged Sitting: Standing and moving regularly can help reduce the stress on your discs, especially if you have a desk job.
- Apply Heat or Cold Therapy: Ice can help reduce inflammation, while heat can relax stiff muscles and improve blood flow.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing extra weight lessens the strain on your spine.
Dr. Boelk’s Comprehensive and Individualized Approach
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, we understand that no two patients are the same, and what works for one person may not work for another. That’s why Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC takes a comprehensive and individualized approach to treating DDD. By conducting a thorough assessment, Dr. Boelk identifies the root cause of your pain and develops a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Dr. Boelk’s protocols go beyond passive treatments like spinal decompression. While Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) can be highly effective for relieving disc-related pressure, long-term relief often requires additional therapies to correct the underlying issues contributing to your pain. Dr. Boelk incorporates:
- Correcting muscle imbalances: Many patients have muscle weaknesses or imbalances that contribute to improper movement patterns, which can exacerbate pain.
- Addressing postural faults: Poor posture can accelerate disc degeneration and cause unnecessary stress on the spine.
- Improving spinal and hip mobility or stability: Some patients need more flexibility, while others need stability. Dr. Boelk customizes treatment plans to meet these needs, depending on the source of your pain.
- Active rehabilitation: Dr. Boelk emphasizes active therapies such as strengthening exercises, mobility work, and posture correction to empower patients to take control of their health.
Why Patients from Out of State (and Out of Country) Seek Out Dr. Boelk
Patients from out of state—and even from other countries—seek out Dr. Boelk because of his deep knowledge, experience, and the highly successful protocols he has developed. With nearly 20 years of experience treating patients with DDD and other spinal issues, Dr. Boelk’s individualized approach has helped countless people avoid surgery and find lasting relief.
Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief
If you’re searching for relief from Degenerative Disc Disease in San Diego, reach out to Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC at The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego. Our team is here to provide a personalized, thorough assessment and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Call us at 619-298-0800 or visit www.SanDiegoBackCare.com to schedule your consultation. Our office is located at 5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92123.
You don’t have to live with pain. Let us help you find relief and get back to doing the things you love.