Quick answer: Forward Spine Center in Golden Valley is a husband-and-wife chiropractic clinic that cares for the whole family, from newborns and children to teens, pregnant parents, athletes, and older adults. Care is always adapted to the individual, and for babies and kids it is very gentle, with Dr. Madeline Klesk, DC, focusing on pediatric and prenatal care.
What does a family chiropractor in Golden Valley do?
A family chiropractor sees patients at every stage of life, so parents, kids, and grandparents can all be cared for by a team that already knows the family. At Forward Spine Center, that means evidence-based chiropractic care, acupuncture, and rehabilitation for individuals and families, with a clear plan built around each person's goals. Every patient starts with an exam so the team can understand what is actually going on before recommending care.
Parents often come in for neck pain, back pain, headaches, or pregnancy discomfort. Kids and teens tend to come in after falls, sports strains, or posture changes from backpacks and screens. Parents commonly bring babies in for concerns like one-sided neck stiffness after birth or a strong preference to turn their head one way.
Who sees which doctor at Forward Spine Center?
The clinic is owned and run by Dr. Timothy Klesk, DC, and Dr. Madeline Klesk, DC, who both earned their Doctorate of Chiropractic from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2014. Their specialties complement each other:
- Dr. Madeline Klesk, DC has post-doctorate training in women's health, pregnancy, and perinatal care, including the Webster Technique, plus additional training with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). She sees newborns through teens and is also a certified acupuncturist and yoga instructor.
- Dr. Timothy Klesk, DC completed the Primary Spine Practitioner program at the University of Pittsburgh, which emphasizes front-line diagnosis, management, and care coordination for spinal complaints. He is also certified in shockwave therapy through The Academy of Shockwave Excellence.
Read more about both doctors on our About page.
How is chiropractic care adapted for babies, kids, and teens?
Pediatric care is not a smaller version of an adult adjustment. The approach changes with the child's age and developmental stage:
| Life stage | Common reasons families come in | How care is adapted |
|---|---|---|
| Newborns and infants | Stiffness after a long or assisted birth, head tilt or turning preference, feeding more easily on one side | Fingertip-level pressure, held contacts instead of quick thrusts, lasting seconds. No cracking or twisting. |
| Toddlers | Falls and tumbles, changes in how they walk or favor one side | Care often happens while the child plays, sits on a parent's lap, or looks at a book. |
| School-age kids | Backpack and posture concerns, sports strains, back or neck soreness after bumps | Lighter contacts than an adult adjustment, plus posture and movement coaching. |
| Teens | Sports and overuse injuries, "tech neck," headaches, scoliosis monitoring alongside their pediatrician | A more structured visit, still adapted to their size, with sport-specific exercise. |
| Parents and adults | Neck pain, back pain, headaches, sciatica, pregnancy-related back and pelvic discomfort | Individualized plan that may include adjustments, soft tissue work, rehab exercises, and acupuncture. |
For a deeper look at infant and child safety, read Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Babies and Kids?
Is chiropractic care safe for children?
Chiropractic care for children is adapted to the individual patient and, in the case of children, is very gentle. No health treatment is completely free of side effects. The most commonly reported reactions in kids are mild and short-lived, such as some fussiness or sleepiness for a few hours after a visit.
Pediatric chiropractic is not a replacement for your pediatrician, and it does not treat disease. We coordinate with your child's medical team rather than substitute for it. Always talk with your child's pediatrician about new or worsening symptoms. A fever, an active infection, or an injury that may need imaging should be seen by the pediatrician first. If your child has trouble breathing, is unresponsive, or has a serious injury, call 911.
What happens at a family's first visit?
- Intake. After booking a New Patient Appointment, you receive an email to set up your account and complete intake forms.
- History and exam. The doctor reviews health history and performs a thorough exam. For babies, that includes pregnancy and birth, feeding patterns, and milestones.
- A clear explanation. Dr. Madeline explains what she is seeing and what she would like to do before any adjustment, so parents can ask questions first.
- A plan with a goal. How often a child comes in depends on what you are working on. Care should have a defined start and a defined goal.
Preparing a nervous child? See First-Time Ease: Preparing You and Your Child for Their Chiropractic Visit.
What else can families get under one roof?
Besides chiropractic care, Forward Spine Center offers acupuncture, rehabilitation, craniosacral technique, cupping, shockwave therapy, custom orthotics, and yoga. Expecting parents can see Dr. Madeline for pregnancy care, including the Webster Technique. Not every service is right for every age, so ask during your visit which options fit your child.
Where is Forward Spine Center, and when is it open?
Forward Spine Center is at 701 Decatur Ave N, Ste 102, Golden Valley, MN 55427. We serve families in Golden Valley and nearby Twin Cities communities, including Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, New Hope, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Crystal, and Wayzata.
- Monday: 8am-1pm and 2-6pm
- Tuesday: 9am-2pm
- Wednesday: 8am-12pm and 2-6pm
- Thursday: 11am-4pm
- Friday: 8am-12pm
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Frequently asked questions
At what age can my child start chiropractic care?
Children of any age, from newborns through adolescence, can receive chiropractic care when it is delivered by a chiropractor trained in pediatrics. At Forward Spine Center, Dr. Madeline Klesk sees newborns through teens and adjusts her approach to each child's age and developmental stage. Talk with your pediatrician about any concerns first.
Do I need a referral from my child's pediatrician?
No referral is required to book at Forward Spine Center. We welcome coordination with your pediatrician, because pediatric chiropractic is not a replacement for medical care. A fever, an active infection, or an injury that may need imaging should be checked by your pediatrician first. Check your health plan's details before booking.
Will my baby be adjusted the same way as an adult?
No. Infant adjustments use fingertip-level pressure with held, sustained contacts rather than quick thrusts, and they last only seconds. There is no cracking and no twisting. Toddlers are often cared for while they play or sit on a parent's lap, and older kids receive lighter contacts than adults.
Can parents and kids be seen at the same clinic?
Yes. Forward Spine Center is a family-friendly clinic that cares for infants, children, athletes, pregnant women, and older adults. Parents can be seen for neck pain, back pain, headaches, or pregnancy discomfort while children receive care adapted to their age. Call the front desk to ask about scheduling family members together.
Where is Forward Spine Center located?
We are 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. You can book online through our Jane booking page or call 763-332-2680. Our email is frontdesk@forwardspinecenter.com.
Ready to bring your family in? Book online or call 763-332-2680.
Published by Forward Spine Center, Golden Valley, MN, . This article is educational and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation or for care from your child's pediatrician.
