Forward Spine Center is a two-doctor chiropractic clinic at 701 Decatur Ave N in Golden Valley, Minnesota, just west of Minneapolis. We care for lower back pain from sudden injuries, lifting, sitting and sports, in patients of every age.
Why patients choose us
- Two chiropractors: Dr. Tim and Dr. Madeline Klesk, DC
- Care without medication, injections 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
What Causes Lower Back Pain?
Dr. Tim breaks back pain into four main pain generators. Testing each one tells us what is driving your symptoms.
Joints
The joints of the spine are where movement happens. Stiffness, not being able to move as far, or pain with certain movements can point to the joints.
Discs
Discs are the shock absorbers between the vertebrae. Repeated bending and lifting, or long periods of sitting with a rounded lower back, can make them painful.
Nerve roots
Nerves exit the spine through small canals. Numbness, tingling or burning down the leg suggests a nerve is irritated. See sciatica.
Muscles
Muscles tighten when they are overused, guarding the spine, or making up for a weak core.
Sudden injuries
Throwing out your back lifting, shoveling, gardening or playing sports.
Sitting & desk work
Long hours in a chair or a car load the lower back. Simple changes to how you sit and stand help.
How We Care for Back Pain in Golden Valley
Your plan is built around what your exam finds. We use at least one in-office treatment plus take-home exercises, stretches and advice.
Chiropractic adjustments
A quick, controlled movement to a specific joint to restore motion in the lower back and pelvis.
Flexion-extension adjustments
A gentle, movement-based adjustment that creates space between the vertebrae when a disc or nerve is involved.
Mechanical traction
Traction to decompress the spine.
Soft-tissue release
Active Release Technique and other muscle work to calm guarding muscles.
Corrective exercise
One-on-one mobility training and core strengthening, progressing from recovery to stretching on your own to strengthening your back.
Acupuncture & Rocktape
Acupuncture can be added to a chiropractic visit, and Rocktape is used when needed to support movement.
Meet Your Golden Valley Back Pain 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 Care
Forward Spine Center is rated 5.0 on Google. In patients' own words:
Set 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 reviewMy back felt much better after just a few sessions.
Jim K., 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
Your back pain follows a major fall or accident, or comes with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, leg weakness that is getting worse, fever, or unexplained weight loss. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Does Insurance Cover Back Pain 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.
Back Pain Guides
Written by our Golden Valley doctors.
What is causing my back pain?
Dr. Tim on the four pain generators.
Should I see a chiropractor for low back pain?
Who gets it and how chiropractic care helps.
Why your back is stiff in the morning
How discs fill overnight and what to do about it.
Back Pain Questions
Who is a good chiropractor for back pain in Golden Valley, MN?
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 lower back pain without medication, injections or surgery, and are rated 5.0 on Google. The clinic serves Golden Valley, Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, New Hope, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Crystal and Wayzata.
Should I see a chiropractor for lower back pain?
Many people with back pain from sitting, lifting or a minor injury see a chiropractor first. Your exam tests the joints, discs, nerve roots and muscles, and we tell you if anything should be checked by a medical doctor.
What does chiropractic treatment for back pain include?
Depending on your exam: chiropractic adjustments, gentle flexion-extension adjustments, mechanical traction, Active Release Technique, one-on-one mobility training and core exercises, acupuncture and Rocktape.
Why is my back worse in the morning?
Overnight, your discs absorb fluid and become fuller. If a disc is irritated, that can mean morning stiffness that eases after 30 to 60 minutes of moving. Ease into the day and avoid bending, twisting or lifting first thing.
Do you accept insurance for back pain treatment?
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.
Do I need a referral or an MRI first?
No referral is needed to book. If your exam suggests you need imaging or a medical evaluation, we will tell you.
When is back pain an emergency?
Get emergency care for back pain with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, leg weakness that is getting worse, fever, or after a major fall or accident. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Get Back to Moving Comfortably
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.
