Surgical Alternatives for Spinal Stenosis La Jolla, CA
If you’ve been diagnosed with spinal stenosis and are searching for alternatives to surgery in San Diego, you’re not alone. Many patients come to our office looking for answers, and they’re often relieved to learn that most cases of spinal stenosis can be effectively managed without surgery. Let’s explore what spinal stenosis actually is, why it’s so common, and how we can help you achieve long-lasting pain relief with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD).
What Is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spaces within your spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This narrowing can occur in the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back) regions. Common causes include:
- Degenerative changes like arthritis
- Disc bulges or herniations
- Thickened ligaments
- Bone spurs from wear and tear
Spinal stenosis often develops as we age, making it a frequent diagnosis among adults over 50. However, not everyone with spinal stenosis experiences pain or symptoms.
Why Spinal Stenosis May Not Be the Source of Your Pain
It’s important to understand that not all pain in the spine is caused by stenosis itself. In fact, many people with spinal stenosis show no symptoms at all. Pain is often the result of inflammation, muscle imbalances, or nerve irritation rather than the narrowing alone. That’s why jumping straight to surgery isn’t always the answer. Identifying the true source of your pain is the first step to finding relief.
Why a Specialized Protocol Is Crucial
Spinal stenosis requires a unique and tailored approach for lasting pain relief. Simply treating the symptoms won’t address the underlying issues. At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, we focus on:
- Reducing pressure on the spinal nerves and discs
- Correcting muscle imbalances and postural issues
- Improving spinal stability and mobility
- Strengthening the core and hips to support the spine
This comprehensive approach ensures we’re not just masking your pain but actually addressing its root causes.
10/16/24
★★★★★
“I travel from the UK to see Dr boelk and his wonderful team . I have 3 bulging disc and one is touching the nerve. I have the spinal decompression treatment and it really helps keep me in my active life . I will not go to anyone else for back treatment, this place is number one and they genuinely care about their patients.” - Lisa S. United Kingdom
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 basis.
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, San Diego
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.
Spinal decompression therapy is a painless, non-surgical treatment designed to reduce and even eliminate back pain, neck pain, sciatica and radiating arm pain. This modern treatment has shown a high success rate and helps patients avoid back surgeries they would have otherwise needed. If you suffer from chronic, debilitating low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, shooting arm pain, degenerative disc disease, disc bulges and disc herniations. The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego has been treating patients and helping them get out of pain successfully for the past 20 years.
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.
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 50,000 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 50,000 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, Spain, United Kingdom, Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Montana 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
-Largest Known Provider of Non Surgical Spinal Decompression In California
-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, United Kingdom 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 stay.
Why Surgery Isn’t Always Necessary
While surgery can be life-changing in certain cases, it’s rarely the only option. Many patients report relief after surgery, but this often comes from forced rest and the natural healing process rather than the procedure itself. Surgery doesn’t cure spinal stenosis; it’s a tool for managing symptoms. However, surgery also comes with risks such as infection, failed procedures, or even worsening pain.
The good news is that most cases of spinal stenosis can be managed without surgery using the right combination of therapies. If we can achieve pain relief and improved function without surgery, drugs, or injections, that’s the ideal scenario.
Why Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Works
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression (NSSD) is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that gently stretches the spine, relieving pressure on compressed nerves and discs. Here’s why it works so well for spinal stenosis:
- Decompresses the spine: Creates space for nerves and reduces pressure on discs
- Improves circulation: Brings oxygen and nutrients to the injured area, promoting healing
- Targets the root cause: Unlike painkillers or injections, NSSD addresses the physical compression causing your symptoms
At our clinic, we’ve performed over 50,000 decompression sessions, helping countless patients avoid surgery and regain their quality of life.
Managing Spinal Stenosis for the Long Term
It’s important to remember that spinal stenosis, like any spinal condition, can’t be "cured." Whether you choose surgery or non-surgical options, the goal is to manage the condition effectively. Our approach focuses on helping you live pain-free and active by managing your symptoms and improving the health of your spine. This is true of all spinal conditions—management is key.
Why Choose Dr. Cassidy Boelk DC?
As a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor with nearly 20 years of experience, I specialize in helping patients avoid surgery and achieve lasting relief. My journey began after suffering my own spinal injuries, including a broken back and disc bulge. Since then, I’ve dedicated thousands of hours to mastering the most effective treatments for spinal conditions.
Here’s what sets our practice apart:
- The largest provider of NSSD in California with 7 decompression machines
- Over 50,000 sessions of decompression therapy performed
- A proven track record of success with patients traveling from out of state and even out of the country for care
At The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego, our focus is on helping you regain your life without the need for invasive procedures.
Take the First Step
If you’re ready to explore non-surgical options for spinal stenosis, I encourage you to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan that works for your specific needs.
Call us today at 619-298-0800 or visit SanDiegoBackCare.com to learn more. Let’s work together to help you get back to doing what you love—without surgery, injections, or endless medications.
By choosing a non-invasive approach, you can effectively manage your spinal stenosis and live pain-free. We’re here to help every step of the way..