By Dr. Boris Nektalov, DNM, DC, Chiropractor & Enzyme Nutrition Specialist · Nektalov Chiropractic & Wellness, Forest Hills, Queens NY
Published: July 3, 2026 · Last reviewed: July 3, 2026
The short answer: Preventative chiropractic care means receiving regular spinal adjustments to maintain joint mobility, posture, and nervous system function before pain develops — rather than waiting for symptoms. Because most spinal problems build gradually over months or years, pain is often the last sign of dysfunction, not the first.
For decades, most people treated chiropractic care the way they treat a mechanic: you only go when something breaks. Back hurts? See a chiropractor. Neck locks up? Get adjusted.
That's changing. At Nektalov Chiropractic & Wellness in Forest Hills, Queens, a growing share of our patients now come in before pain starts — and the most common thing they tell us is: "I wish I'd started this years ago."
This article explains what preventative chiropractic care is, what the research says, who benefits most, and how to know if it's right for you.
What Is Preventative Chiropractic Care?
Preventative chiropractic care (also called maintenance care or wellness care) is a schedule of periodic chiropractic adjustments designed to preserve spinal mobility, correct developing postural patterns, and support nervous system function in the absence of acute pain. Instead of treating a flare-up, the goal is to keep the spine functioning well so flare-ups happen less often — or not at all.
The concept has research support. A 2018 randomized controlled trial published in PLOS ONE (the "Nordic Maintenance Care Program") found that patients with recurrent low back pain who received scheduled maintenance chiropractic care had about 13 fewer days of bothersome pain per year compared to patients who only sought treatment when symptoms returned (Eklund et al., 2018).
Why Pain Is the Last Symptom to Appear
Most spinal problems don't happen overnight:
- Disc degeneration develops over years, not days — and it's often silent. Research published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology found that 37% of asymptomatic 20-year-olds and 96% of asymptomatic 80-year-olds show disc degeneration on imaging with no pain at all (Brinjikji et al., 2015).
- Forward head posture accumulates gradually from screen use. For every inch the head shifts forward, the effective load on the cervical spine increases significantly — at 60 degrees of flexion (typical smartphone posture), the neck supports the equivalent of roughly 60 pounds (Hansraj, Surgical Technology International, 2014).
- Joint restrictions and compensation patterns build silently. The body compensates remarkably well — until it can't.
By the time pain shows up, the underlying dysfunction has usually been developing for months or years. That's the core argument for prevention: address restrictions while they're small, cheap, and painless to fix.
Think of it like brushing your teeth. Nobody waits for a root canal to start flossing. Regular maintenance is easier, less expensive, and far less painful than waiting for a major problem. The same logic applies to your spine — and unlike teeth, you can't get a replacement.
Reactive vs. Preventative Care: What's the Difference?
| Factor | Reactive (Pain-Based) Care | Preventative (Wellness) Care |
|---|---|---|
| When you go | After pain appears | On a regular schedule, pain or no pain |
| Goal | Symptom relief | Maintain mobility & function |
| Typical frequency | Intensive short bursts (2–3x/week) | Periodic (every 2–6 weeks, individualized) |
| Cost pattern | Expensive episodes | Lower, predictable spend |
| Outcome (research) | Pain returns in many recurrent cases | ~13 fewer pain days/year for recurrent low back pain (Eklund et al., 2018) |
Who Benefits Most from Preventative Chiropractic Care?
1. Desk workers and remote employees
Many office workers, students, and drivers spend 8–12 hours daily seated — a position that loads the lumbar discs and pulls the head forward. If you're experiencing early signs of tech neck, upper back tightness, or stiffness after long workdays in Queens' commuter lifestyle, you're the textbook candidate for preventative care.
2. Active adults and athletes
Runners, golfers, lifters, and weekend warriors use chiropractic care not because they're injured, but to keep movement efficient and reduce injury risk. When spinal mechanics improve, stress on surrounding muscles, ligaments, and joints decreases.
3. Adults 40+ protecting long-term mobility
Healthy joints require movement to stay nourished — cartilage receives nutrients through motion and load, not blood supply. Restricted joints lose mobility first and become more susceptible to degeneration over time.
4. Anyone with a history of back or neck episodes
This is the group with the strongest research support: the maintenance care evidence base is built on patients with recurrent low back pain. If your back "goes out" once or twice a year, scheduled care is designed for you.
How Preventative Care Works at Our Forest Hills Practice
At Nektalov Chiropractic & Wellness, a preventative care plan includes:
- Movement and posture assessment — identifying joint restrictions and compensation patterns before they become symptomatic
- Chiropractic adjustments — restoring motion to restricted spinal segments and supporting the nervous system that controls every muscle, organ, and tissue in the body
- Posture correction strategies — practical fixes for forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and workstation setup
- Enzyme nutrition and wellness support — because prevention extends beyond the spine
That last point is our differentiator. Inflammation, poor digestion, chronic stress, and nutrient deficiencies accelerate wear and tear throughout the body. We integrate enzyme nutrition therapy alongside structural care because the body functions best when the internal and structural systems work together — the same systems-based approach we apply to gut health and hormone balance.
Explore our chiropractic services in Forest Hills to learn more about what a preventative care plan includes.
How Often Should You Get Adjusted for Prevention?
There's no universal schedule — frequency depends on your history, lifestyle, and how your spine responds. In the maintenance care research, visit intervals averaged roughly every 4–9 weeks and were individualized by the clinician (Eklund et al., 2018). Common patterns in practice:
- History of recurrent episodes: every 2–4 weeks initially, extending as stability improves
- Desk-heavy lifestyle, no pain history: every 4–6 weeks
- Active maintenance / athletes: aligned with training cycles
Your schedule should be reassessed regularly — preventative care is a strategy, not a subscription.
When to Seek Additional Medical Care
Chiropractic wellness care complements — but does not replace — medical evaluation. If you experience severe or progressive pain, numbness or weakness in the limbs, loss of bladder or bowel control, unexplained weight loss with back pain, or pain following significant trauma, consult your primary care physician or seek urgent medical care first.
Contact our office to schedule a preventative care consultation, or book online.
Serving Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, Jackson Heights, and surrounding Queens communities · 108-50 71st Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375 · (718) 275-9000
Frequently asked questions
What is preventative chiropractic care?
Preventative chiropractic care — also called maintenance or wellness care — is a schedule of periodic spinal adjustments designed to maintain joint mobility, posture, and nervous system function before pain develops. Instead of treating flare-ups reactively, the goal is to address spinal restrictions early, when they are easier to correct.
Is there research supporting maintenance chiropractic care?
Yes. A 2018 randomized controlled trial published in PLOS ONE (Nordic Maintenance Care Program) found that patients with recurrent low back pain receiving scheduled maintenance chiropractic care experienced about 13 fewer days of bothersome pain per year compared to those who only sought care when symptoms returned.
How often should you see a chiropractor if you're not in pain?
There is no universal schedule. In maintenance care research, visits averaged every four to nine weeks and were individualized by the clinician. Common preventative patterns range from every two to six weeks depending on pain history, lifestyle factors like desk work, and how the spine responds over time.
Can chiropractic care help with tech neck and posture problems?
Yes. Forward head posture from smartphone and computer use significantly increases load on the cervical spine — at 60 degrees of flexion, the neck supports the equivalent of roughly 60 pounds. Chiropractic adjustments restore cervical and thoracic mobility while posture correction strategies address the underlying daily habits.
Do spinal problems develop before pain appears?
Very often, yes. Imaging research shows 37% of asymptomatic 20-year-olds already have disc degeneration, rising to 96% by age 80 — all without pain. Because the body compensates well, pain is frequently the last symptom of dysfunction that has been developing for months or years.
Where can I get preventative chiropractic care in Forest Hills, Queens?
Nektalov Chiropractic & Wellness in Forest Hills, Queens, NY offers preventative chiropractic care combined with enzyme nutrition therapy and posture correction. Dr. Boris Nektalov, DC builds individualized wellness plans focused on maintaining mobility and long-term spine health. Visit nektalovhealth.com or email DrNektalov@nektalovhealth.com to schedule a consultation.
This article is intended for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical advice. Patients with emergent symptoms including loss of bladder or bowel control, severe or rapidly progressing neurological deficits, or suspected spinal fracture should seek emergency medical evaluation immediately.