Forward Spine Center is a two-doctor chiropractic clinic at 701 Decatur Ave N in Golden Valley, Minnesota. We see many people with disc problems in the neck and lower back, often with pain, numbness or tingling into an arm or leg.
Why patients choose us
- Dr. Tim completed the University of Pittsburgh Primary Spine Practitioner program
- Conservative care without medication or surgery
- In network with most major insurance plans
- No referral needed: book online or by phone
Visit us
701 Decatur Ave N, Ste 102
Golden Valley, MN 55427
Serving Golden Valley, Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, New Hope, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Crystal and Wayzata
Get directions ยท Hours & contact
Herniated vs. Bulging Discs
Your discs are the shock absorbers that sit between the vertebrae of your spine. Because they are under constant compression, they can wear down over time.
Bulging disc
An early sign of disc degeneration: the disc starts to pouch outward a little.
Herniated disc
A later stage, where material from inside the disc starts to push out. It can contact and compress a nearby nerve.
Arm symptoms (neck discs)
A disc in the lower neck can cause numbness, tingling, burning, pain or weakness down the arm and into the hand. See neck pain.
Leg symptoms (low back discs)
A disc in the lower back can irritate the sciatic nerve and cause pain or tingling down the leg. See sciatica.
Spinal stenosis
Narrowing of the canal where the nerve exits, typically after age 50. It can feel similar, but the treatment, management and home care are quite different, so we tell them apart.
Morning flare-ups
Discs absorb fluid overnight. An irritated disc can mean stiffness and pain in the morning, and early morning is a common time for disc injuries.
How We Care for Disc Problems in Golden Valley
Dr. Tim's focus is conservative care that helps you reach your goals without medication or surgery. Your plan depends on your exam and on whether the problem is in your neck or lower back.
Mechanical traction
Traction to decompress the spine and take pressure off the disc and nerve.
Flexion-extension adjustments
A gentle, movement-based adjustment that lengthens the spine and creates space between the vertebrae.
Soft-tissue release
Active Release Technique for the muscles that tighten to guard an irritated disc.
Stabilizing exercise
One-on-one mobility training and strengthening to support your spine, progressed as you improve.
Acupuncture
Can be combined with chiropractic care in the same visit.
Daily habits
How to sit, lift and start your morning: ease into movement and avoid bending, twisting or lifting first thing.
Meet Your Golden Valley Disc Chiropractors
Dr. Timothy Klesk, DC earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2014 and completed the Primary Spine Practitioner program at the University of Pittsburgh, which emphasizes front-line diagnosis, management and care coordination for people with spine problems. His focus is conservative care that helps patients reach their goals without medication or surgery.
Dr. Madeline Klesk, DC also earned her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2014. She is a certified acupuncturist and yoga instructor with an extensive education in sports injuries, so chiropractic care and acupuncture can be combined in one visit. Read both doctors' bios
What Patients Say About Back and Spine Care
Forward Spine Center is rated 5.0 on Google. In patients' own words:
If you're dealing with back, neck, or spine issues and looking for a team you can trust, Forward Spine Center is a fantastic choice.
Hilary M., Google reviewSet a plan from the beginning that has helped me get back to normal life after throwing out my back.
Mark O., Google review... he progressively worked from helping me recover, to knowing what stretching I should do myself to teaching me how to strengthen my back.
Gary G., Google reviewI've had issues with my back and shoulder area in the past, but with their expertise, they were able to identify the problem and relieve my pain and discomfort in just a few visits ...
Christian B., Google review
Excerpts from public Google reviews. Individual experiences vary.
Your First Visit
Nothing happens before you understand it. Ask questions at every step.
History & exam
After you book a New Patient Appointment, you'll get an email to set up your account and fill out intake forms. Your first visit starts with a full history and a hands-on exam of how you move.
Find the pain generator
Dr. Tim breaks spine pain into four structures that can cause symptoms: the joints, the discs, the nerve roots and the muscles. Testing each one tells us what is driving your pain, and what is not.
A plan you understand
We explain what we found and what we recommend before any treatment. Your plan includes in-office care plus exercises and habits to use at home, with a defined goal.
Get emergency care first if
You have loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, arm or leg weakness that is getting worse, or symptoms after a major fall or accident. If your exam suggests you need imaging or a surgical opinion, we will tell you. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Does Insurance Cover Herniated Disc Care?
Most health insurance plans cover chiropractic care, and we are in network with most major plans. No referral is needed to book.
- In network with most major plans
- Medicare
- Most Medicaid plans
- Workers' compensation
- Personal injury / auto accident
- HSA & FSA cards
- Self-pay with a Good Faith Estimate
Bring your insurance card and photo ID to your first visit. Questions about your plan? Call the front desk at 763-332-2680 or see our FAQ.
Disc Guides
Written by our Golden Valley doctors.
Disc herniation vs. stenosis
Dr. Tim on what causes arm symptoms.
Why discs hurt in the morning
Disc imbibition and how to protect your spine.
Gentle techniques for disc-related sciatica
How flexion-extension adjustments work.
Herniated Disc Questions
Can a chiropractor in Golden Valley help with a herniated disc?
Dr. Timothy Klesk, DC and Dr. Madeline Klesk, DC at Forward Spine Center, 701 Decatur Ave N, Ste 102, Golden Valley, MN 55427, care for herniated and bulging discs in the neck and lower back with mechanical traction, gentle flexion-extension adjustments, soft-tissue work, acupuncture and exercise, without medication or surgery. The clinic serves Golden Valley, Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, New Hope, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Crystal and Wayzata.
What is the difference between a bulging and a herniated disc?
A bulging disc pouches outward a little and is an early sign of disc wear. A herniated disc is a later stage, where material from inside the disc starts to push out and can press on a nerve.
Do I need an MRI before seeing a chiropractor?
No. You don't need imaging or a referral to book. If your exam suggests you need imaging, a medical evaluation or a surgical opinion, we will tell you.
Is it a herniated disc or spinal stenosis?
Both can cause pain, numbness or tingling into an arm or leg. Stenosis is a narrowing where the nerve exits the spine and is more common after 50. The treatment, management and home care are quite different, so telling them apart is the first step.
Does insurance cover chiropractic care for a herniated disc?
Yes. Most health insurance plans cover chiropractic care, and Forward Spine Center is in network with most major plans. We also accept Medicare, most Medicaid plans, workers' compensation and personal injury claims, and HSA/FSA cards. Bring your insurance card and photo ID to your first visit. If you don't have insurance, ask us for a Good Faith Estimate before your visit.
What should I avoid with a disc problem?
Be careful first thing in the morning, when discs are fullest: ease into movement and avoid bending, twisting or lifting. Long periods of sitting with a rounded lower back also load the discs. We will give you exercises to strengthen and stabilize your spine.
When is a disc problem an emergency?
Get emergency care for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or arm or leg weakness that is getting worse. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Find Out What Your Disc Needs
Forward Spine Center, 701 Decatur Ave N, Ste 102, Golden Valley, MN 55427. Chiropractic care, acupuncture and rehab with Dr. Timothy Klesk, DC and Dr. Madeline Klesk, DC.
This page is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Last updated: October 21, 2026.
