The musculoskeletal system — your bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues — is the structural foundation of every movement you make. When it breaks down, the effects ripple through daily life: difficulty sitting, standing, sleeping, and moving without pain.
At Nektalov Chiropractic & Wellness, we treat the root cause of musculoskeletal dysfunction, not just the symptoms. I'm Dr. Boris Nektalov, a chiropractor and certified enzyme nutrition specialist with over a decade of experience treating back pain, sciatica, herniated discs, joint conditions, and posture-related disorders in Forest Hills and Queens.
Our approach combines precise chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression therapy, and nutritional support to restore function to the system your body depends on most.
What Causes Musculoskeletal Pain and Dysfunction?
Most chronic back and joint pain develops gradually — and has more than one cause.
The most common contributors we see in our Forest Hills practice include:
Spinal misalignment
When vertebrae shift out of proper position — from poor posture, repetitive movement, or injury — they create pressure on nearby nerves and discs. This nerve compression drives radiating pain patterns like sciatica, as well as local back and neck pain that doesn't resolve with rest.
Disc degeneration and herniation
The discs between your vertebrae act as shock absorbers. Over time, or after acute injury, they can bulge, herniate, or lose hydration — pressing on nerve roots and causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms and legs.
Nutrient deficiency
Bone density, joint cushioning, and muscle repair depend on adequate calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, and protein. Deficiencies don't always cause acute pain — they can erode structural integrity slowly, making injury more likely and recovery slower.
Lifestyle load
Prolonged sitting, forward head posture from screen use, repetitive occupational stress, and inactivity create chronic mechanical load on the spine and joints — a leading driver of early-onset disc degeneration.
What Does a Chiropractor Do for Back Pain?
Chiropractic care corrects spinal misalignment to reduce nerve pressure and restore proper joint movement. A chiropractic adjustment is a precise, controlled force applied to a specific spinal joint to restore normal position and motion. This reduces nerve interference, decreases local inflammation, and allows surrounding muscles to relax. For many patients, the result is reduced pain, improved range of motion, and better function.
Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic manipulation produced significantly greater short-term improvement in back pain than general practitioner care alone. For many patients, it also reduces or eliminates the need for pain medication.
At Nektalov Chiropractic & Wellness, adjustments are tailored to your condition, spinal findings, and health history. No two treatment plans are identical.
Spinal Decompression Therapy for Disc Conditions
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment for herniated discs, sciatica, and degenerative disc disease. Motorized decompression gently stretches the spine, creating negative pressure inside the affected disc. That can help draw disc material toward a more favorable position and encourage oxygen and nutrients into the disc — supporting natural healing.
Spinal decompression at our Forest Hills clinic is often considered for:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Sciatica (radiating pain into the leg)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Facet syndrome
Many patients report noticeable improvement within 4 to 6 weeks of consistent sessions. Treatment is non-invasive, requires no anesthesia, and is performed while you remain fully clothed on a motorized table.
→ Learn more about spinal decompression therapy
Nutrition and Enzyme Health for Bone and Joint Recovery
Your musculoskeletal system can only repair itself with the right raw materials. Even patients eating well may run low on key structural nutrients when digestive enzyme insufficiency limits absorption. Enzymes break food into bioavailable components; without adequate activity, calcium, protein, and anti-inflammatory compounds may not support tissue repair as effectively.
As a certified enzyme nutrition specialist, Dr. Nektalov integrates nutritional assessment into musculoskeletal care: identifying deficiencies linked to your symptoms, enzyme support protocols when appropriate, and dietary guidance tailored to you.
Key nutrients for musculoskeletal health
| Nutrient | Role in the body | Top food sources |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | Bone density and muscle contraction | Dairy, sardines, leafy greens |
| Vitamin D | Calcium absorption and bone mineralization | Fatty fish, eggs, sunlight |
| Magnesium | Muscle relaxation and nerve signaling | Nuts, seeds, dark chocolate |
| Protein | Muscle repair and collagen synthesis | Meat, legumes, eggs |
| Phosphorus | Bone matrix structure | Poultry, fish, lentils |
Conditions We Treat
Lower back pain
The most common reason patients seek chiropractic care. We identify whether the source is muscular, disc-related, or joint-related — and treat accordingly. → What we treat — back pain
Sciatica
Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling from the lower back into one or both legs, often from sciatic nerve irritation. Chiropractic care and decompression can help many presentations. → Sciatica & back pain relief
Herniated and bulging discs
Disc material pressing on nerve roots causes local and radiating pain. Spinal decompression is a primary option for many disc-related cases. → Advanced spinal decompression
Neck pain and tech neck
Forward head posture from screen use adds significant load on the cervical spine. Adjustments and postural guidance address both pain and structure. → Neck pain — what we treat
Joint pain and stiffness
Often a mix of mechanical and nutritional factors — we address both.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is chiropractic care different from physical therapy for back pain?
Chiropractic focuses on correcting spinal alignment and reducing nerve compression through specific joint manipulation. Physical therapy often emphasizes exercise and strengthening. Many patients benefit from both; we can coordinate with your physical therapist when appropriate.
Is spinal decompression safe for herniated discs?
For many disc conditions, yes. It is non-surgical and low-force. We review imaging and health history before starting to confirm you are a good candidate. Severe osteoporosis, certain fractures, or recent spinal surgery may require a modified or alternate approach.
How many chiropractic visits will I need?
It depends on severity and how long the problem has been present. Acute injuries may respond in roughly 6 to 12 visits. Chronic or disc-related issues often need a longer plan — commonly on the order of weeks. You receive a specific recommendation after your assessment.
Can chiropractic help if I've already had back surgery?
Often yes, with modifications. Post-surgical patients are evaluated carefully; gentler techniques avoid stressing the surgical site.
Do you accept insurance for chiropractic care in Queens?
Yes. We commonly work with major plans including Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, and we handle no-fault cases. Our team can help verify your benefits and explain your options.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Seek immediate medical attention if you have:
- Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe pain after trauma or a fall
- Rapidly progressing weakness or numbness in the legs
- Fever with back pain
These may require emergency evaluation beyond chiropractic care.
Schedule a Consultation in Forest Hills, Queens
If you've been managing back pain, sciatica, or joint discomfort without lasting relief, a comprehensive evaluation can identify what other approaches may have missed. Nektalov Chiropractic & Wellness serves Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, Jackson Heights, and surrounding Queens neighborhoods.
Nektalov Chiropractic & Wellness
108-50 71st Ave, Lower Level, Forest Hills, NY 11375
(718) 275-9000 · Contact us · Book online