Quick answer: At Forward Spine Center in Golden Valley, acupuncture and chiropractic care can be combined in the same visit, and established patients can book a combined "Chiropractic Treatment & Acupuncture" appointment. The pairing is commonly used for neck pain, back pain, sciatica, and muscle tension, and every plan starts with an exam so the treatment fits the cause of your pain.
Why combine acupuncture and chiropractic care for back and neck pain?
Back and neck pain usually involves more than one tissue. A joint may not be moving well, and the muscles around it may be tight and guarded. Chiropractic care focuses on restoring motion to restricted joints. Acupuncture is used to help tight muscles release and relax and to calm pain. Using both in one plan lets us address the joint and the soft tissue in the same visit, then reinforce the change with exercises you do at home.
How does chiropractic care help back and neck pain?
A chiropractic adjustment is a quick, precise, low-amplitude force that restores motion to a restricted joint. Adjustments are often associated with the low back, but they can be used on any joint. At Forward Spine Center, chiropractic care can include:
- Full body chiropractic adjustments
- Soft tissue release work (Active Release Technique)
- Mechanical traction and a flexion-distraction table to decompress the spine
- One-on-one mobility training exercises to maintain changes
- Rocktape when needed
- Deep tissue laser therapy with Lightforce lasers
Learn more about low back pain, neck pain, and sciatica.
How does acupuncture help back and neck pain?
Acupuncture uses very fine, sterile, single-use needles placed at specific points. It stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's own pain-reducing chemicals, and is used to decrease muscle spasm and tension and increase blood flow to support healing. Needles may be placed right where the pain is, along areas of muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, or away from the painful area, depending on what you need.
At Forward Spine Center, acupuncture is used for concerns including neck pain, mid-back pain, sciatic pain, and headaches. For some patients, acupuncture can be paired with electrical stimulation. Read more in Acupuncture and Electrical Stimulation.
Chiropractic, acupuncture, or both: how do they compare?
| Chiropractic care | Acupuncture | Combined visit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Restoring motion to restricted joints | Releasing muscle tension and reducing pain | Joint and soft tissue in the same session |
| What it feels like | Quick, precise adjustments. You may or may not hear a pop. | A small prick or nothing at all, sometimes tingling, warmth, or heaviness. Many people find it relaxing. | Both, in one visit |
| Home program | Mobility and exercise "homework" | May include exercise, relaxation, or self-massage suggestions | One combined plan |
What happens at a combined visit in Golden Valley?
- New patient exam first. Your first appointment includes a review of your health history, a thorough exam, and a discussion of personalized treatment options based on your goals.
- Adjustment. The doctor checks how the spine and related joints are moving and adjusts restricted areas.
- Acupuncture. The area is sanitized, and fine needles are placed based on your symptoms.
- Optional add-ons. Cupping can be scheduled with acupuncture for tight fascia and tense muscles. See our cupping page.
- Homework. Chiropractic care works best when you do your part at home, so expect mobility work, exercises, and habit recommendations.
Dr. Madeline Klesk, DC, is a certified acupuncturist, and Dr. Timothy Klesk, DC, completed the Primary Spine Practitioner program at the University of Pittsburgh, which focuses on front-line diagnosis and care coordination for spinal complaints, including knowing when imaging or a referral is needed.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on how long you have had the pain, how severe it is, and what is causing it. An acute problem may need only a single acupuncture treatment, while many chronic problems call for a series of about 4 to 7 treatments. How you respond to the first session gives us a better idea of the rest of the plan.
When should I see a medical doctor instead?
Chiropractic care and acupuncture are for musculoskeletal pain. They do not treat disease. See a medical provider promptly if back pain travels below your knee, if you have leg weakness, fever, or changes in bowel or bladder control. For neck pain, get medical care right away for a severe or "different" headache, confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, trouble swallowing, vision changes, or numbness or weakness in your arms or face. If symptoms are sudden and severe, call 911.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get acupuncture and chiropractic care in the same visit?
Yes. Forward Spine Center in Golden Valley offers a combined Chiropractic Treatment and Acupuncture appointment for established patients, which runs about 30 minutes. New patients start with a New Patient Appointment that includes a health history, a thorough exam, and a discussion of personalized treatment options, so the combined plan fits the source of your pain.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people feel very little. Acupuncture needles are not much thicker than a hair, and insertion is often compared to a small mosquito bite or not felt at all. You may notice tingling, warmth, or heaviness. Most people find acupuncture relaxing, and many fall asleep during treatment. Tell your provider if anything feels uncomfortable.
Is acupuncture safe?
When performed by a trained professional, acupuncture has a strong safety record. Forward Spine Center uses individually packaged, sterile, disposable needles, so the chance of infection is very low. Dr. Madeline Klesk, DC, is a certified acupuncturist. Let us know about medical conditions, medications, or pregnancy at your intake so treatment can be adjusted.
Do I need a referral to book?
No. You do not need a referral from your medical doctor to book an appointment at Forward Spine Center. It is a good idea to check the specifics of your health plan before booking. If your pain comes with red-flag symptoms such as leg weakness, fever, or bladder changes, see a medical provider first.
Where can I get acupuncture and chiropractic care near Golden Valley?
Forward Spine Center is at 701 Decatur Ave N, Ste 102, Golden Valley, MN 55427, serving Golden Valley, Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, New Hope, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Crystal, and Wayzata. Book online through our Jane booking page or call 763-332-2680 to ask about combining acupuncture with your chiropractic care.
Ready to get moving again? Book online or call 763-332-2680. Learn more on our acupuncture page.
Published by Forward Spine Center, Golden Valley, MN, . This article is educational and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.
