By Dr. Boris Nektalov, DNM, DC, Chiropractor & Enzyme Nutrition Specialist · Nektalov Chiropractic & Wellness, Forest Hills, Queens NY
Published: July 21, 2026 · Last reviewed: July 21, 2026
A herniated disc happens when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer and presses on a nearby nerve root. This is the most common cause of sciatica — burning pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels from the lower back into the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot. Many patients assume the pain is a leg problem. It almost always starts in the spine.
Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and up to 80% of people will experience it at some point in their lives (National Institutes of Health). At Nektalov Chiropractic & Wellness, we treat herniated discs, pinched nerves, sciatica, and chronic low back pain with a conservative, non-surgical approach built around finding — and fixing — the root cause.
What Causes a Herniated Disc and Pinched Nerve?
Spinal discs act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. Injury, repetitive strain, poor posture, or years of prolonged sitting can cause the disc's outer layer to weaken and bulge or rupture. When that displaced disc material contacts a nerve root, it triggers the inflammation and nerve irritation known as sciatica.
Common symptoms of a pinched nerve from a herniated disc:
- Sharp or burning pain radiating down one or both legs
- Numbness or tingling in the thigh, calf, or foot
- Muscle weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or coughing
- Difficulty standing up straight or walking normally
Why Proper Diagnosis Comes First
Not every case of back pain is the same. Every new patient at our Forest Hills clinic starts with a full consultation and physical exam. When clinically appropriate, we review digital X-rays or existing MRI studies to confirm exactly which structures are involved before building a treatment plan.
How Chiropractic Care Treats a Herniated Disc
- Chiropractic adjustments restore normal motion to restricted spinal joints, reducing muscle tension and mechanical pressure around an irritated nerve.
- Soft tissue therapy addresses the muscles, fascia, and connective tissue — especially in the lower back, hips, glutes, and hamstrings — that tighten around a disc injury.
- Spinal decompression gently creates space between vertebrae to reduce pressure on the affected disc and nerve root.
- Rehabilitation exercises rebuild core strength and movement patterns so improvement holds after treatment ends.
Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Back Pain
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate circulation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate healing in chronic muscular dysfunction. It's an effective adjunct for the chronic muscle tightness that often accompanies long-standing low back pain.
Red Light Therapy for Back Pain
Red light therapy uses specific light wavelengths that penetrate deep into tissue to support cellular repair, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation — a non-invasive complement to chiropractic care and rehab for patients who want every non-surgical option on the table.
The Modern Lifestyle Problem Behind Most Back Pain
Hours spent sitting at a desk, driving, or looking down at a phone place constant load on the lumbar spine. Combined with weak core muscles and tight hip flexors, this creates the exact conditions that lead to disc injury and nerve irritation over time. That's why treatment at our clinic always includes posture correction, ergonomic guidance, and movement retraining.
Nutrition, Inflammation, and Recovery
Chronic inflammation increases nerve sensitivity, slows healing, and prolongs pain — which is why we integrate enzyme nutrition and anti-inflammatory wellness guidance into treatment plans. Learn more in our guide on gut health and longevity.
Chiropractic Care vs. Surgery: What the Research Actually Shows
| Conservative Care (Chiropractic) | Surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed of initial relief | Gradual, builds over weeks | Faster short-term relief |
| Long-term outcome (2+ years) | Comparable to surgery in mild-to-moderate cases | Comparable to conservative care in mild-to-moderate cases |
| Risk profile | Low — no incision or surgical complications | Carries standard surgical risks |
| Who eventually needs surgery | Roughly 1 in 4 who start conservative care may need surgery within a year | N/A |
| Best suited for | Mild-to-moderate symptoms, first-line treatment | Progressive weakness, severe deficits |
When surgery is medically necessary, we tell you. Red-flag symptoms requiring immediate medical evaluation include progressive muscle weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, severe neurological deficits, and spinal instability.
Why Patients Choose Nektalov Chiropractic & Wellness
We don't run an assembly-line practice. Care combines chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, spinal decompression, shockwave therapy, red light therapy, rehabilitation, and enzyme nutrition into one coordinated plan. Your MRI does not define your future.
Contact our office or book a consultation. 108-50 71st Ave, Lower Level, Forest Hills, NY 11375 · (718) 275-9000
Frequently asked questions
Can a herniated disc heal without surgery?
Many herniated discs improve significantly with conservative care, especially when treatment starts early and addresses the underlying mechanical cause. Research suggests roughly 75% of patients who begin with conservative treatment avoid surgery altogether. Surgery becomes necessary mainly for progressive weakness, severe neurological deficits, or spinal instability.
What does a pinched nerve in the lower back feel like?
A pinched nerve from a herniated disc typically causes burning or sharp pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels from the lower back into the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot — commonly known as sciatica.
How does chiropractic care help with sciatica?
Chiropractic care restores normal motion to restricted spinal joints, reduces pressure on the irritated nerve root, and addresses the tight muscles and soft tissue that contribute to nerve compression — often combined with spinal decompression and targeted rehab exercises.
What is shockwave therapy used for?
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves to improve circulation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate healing in chronic muscular dysfunction. It's commonly used for plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and as an adjunct treatment for chronic low back pain.
Is red light therapy effective for back pain?
Red light therapy (low-level laser therapy) penetrates tissue to support cellular repair, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. It's used as a non-invasive complement to chiropractic care and rehabilitation for back pain.
When is surgery necessary for a herniated disc?
Surgery is typically indicated for progressive muscle weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, severe or worsening neurological deficits, or spinal instability. Outside of those red-flag symptoms, most patients are candidates for conservative care first.
This article is intended for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical advice. Patients with emergent symptoms including loss of bladder or bowel control or progressive neurological deficits should seek emergency medical evaluation immediately.