Ver Helst Chiropractic

Ver Helst Chiropractic Dr. Kurt Ver Helst leads Ver Helst Chiropractic in Ames, IA, providing expert chiropractic care for over 38 years.

Specializing in pain relief and spinal health. Dr. Kurt Ver Helst provides chiropractic care at Ver Helst Chiropractic in Ames, Iowa, focused on supporting spinal health, mobility, and overall wellness.

09/15/2026

When something feels off, you want more than a quick adjustment.

Dr. Kurt takes time to assess what’s going on first, then adjusts based on what your body needs.

With nearly 40 years of experience caring for patients in Ames, his approach is simple: listen, assess, and provide thoughtful, personalized care. 🙌

Because chiropractic care shouldn’t feel one-size-fits-all.

09/08/2026

Sometimes the best way to explain the impact of chiropractic care is to hear it directly from the people experiencing it.

In this video, two of Dr. Kurt’s patients share what their care has meant to them: from finally getting relief after dealing with a chronic limp to being able to travel, walk more, and feel like themselves again.

One patient shared that she had been struggling to walk even 2,000 steps. After working with Dr. Kurt, she was able to go on a trip with her daughter and hit 16,000 steps, something she hadn’t thought would be possible.

And then there’s this line, which may be one of our favorites yet: “I’ve got my God, and I’ve got Kurt, and that’s all I need.” ❤️

Stories like these are why Dr. Kurt has loved caring for patients in Ames and Story County for nearly 40 years.

We’re so grateful to the patients who trust Ver Helst Chiropractic with their care - and especially to those willing to share their stories.

09/07/2026

Meet Dr. Kurt 👋 His chiropractic story actually started with a high school baseball injury.

After hurting his back, Dr. Kurt started seeing a chiropractor, and not only did his back begin feeling better, but his batting average went up too. ⚾

He eventually became friends with the chiropractor who was treating him, and that relationship led to a visit to Palmer College of Chiropractic.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Nearly 40 years later, Dr. Kurt is still helping people throughout Ames and Story County feel better, move better, and get back to doing the things they love.

And as Dr. Kurt says… “That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.” 😂

Happy Labor Day from Ver Helst Chiropractic! 🇺🇸We hope you get a chance to slow down, relax, and enjoy the long weekend ...
09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from Ver Helst Chiropractic! 🇺🇸

We hope you get a chance to slow down, relax, and enjoy the long weekend — whether that means time at the lake, grilling with family, or doing absolutely nothing.

We’re grateful for the hardworking people and families of Ames and Story County.

Have a safe and relaxing Labor Day!

A very important birthday at Ver Helst Chiropractic today! 🎉Dr. Kurt’s daughter, Mari Beth, is officially 27!Help us wis...
09/04/2026

A very important birthday at Ver Helst Chiropractic today! 🎉

Dr. Kurt’s daughter, Mari Beth, is officially 27!

Help us wish MB a very happy 27th birthday! We hope you have the best day, Mari Beth! ❤️

And yes, Dr. Kurt will probably always consider you his baby no matter how old you get.

08/21/2026

I was recently asked by someone why I feel the spine is so important, and why I place so much emphasis on its health. I love that question. And I am certain that the person asking me did not realize the floodgates that opened. My knowledge, experience, and passion related to spinal health has only reinforced my belief that the spine is the most overlooked portion of the human body and that caring for it appropriately is so incredibly important.

In regards to knowledge, I have been studying the spine for nearly 42 years. I have countless hours into reading studies, studying the anatomy, and analyzing the biomechanics of the human spine. In terms of experience, I have been in private practice for over 38 years, have seen tens of thousands of x-rays, and have personally examined and cared for thousands of patients. And my passion? I am more excited now than I have ever been at the amazing results we see when a spine that was not functioning properly begins to heal and move the way it was designed. I have been blessed to witness miraculous changes in the health of so many patients, many of which had tried many, many other health-related treatments.

The biggest problem I see is that most people do not understand the impact spinal problems can have on their overall health. And medical doctors often overlook the subtle misalignments and dysfunctions (called vertebral subluxations) in the spine simply because, one… they don’t do the proper exam or use the proper diagnostic tools to locate these subluxations, and two… they do not have the knowledge or skillset to correct these subluxations. If you are not looking for something, you’ll likely not find it. And if you do not have a way of fixing a particular problem, you’ll likely not look for it.

To be clear, my interest in the spine lies in its relationship with the nervous system. Truth be told, I only analyze and work on the spine to ensure that the nervous system is working properly. The spine is made up of 24 vertebral bones, all separated by discs. These discs keep the bones from rubbing together, allow us humans to have the flexibility and mobility that we have, and most importantly, create small holes between each vertebra, allowing space for the nerves to exit the spine. The brain sends signals down the spinal cord and out nerves (which travel out between the vertebrae through those small holes). The nerves travel throughout the entire body, communicating with every cell, tissue, and organ. The brain communicates with these cells, tissues, and organs by sending signals along the spinal cord and nerves. These cells, tissues, and organs send signals back to the brain through those nerves and spinal cord. If functioning properly, the brain and the body are in perfect communication, and everything can run smoothly and optimally.

It is critical that your nerves function well and communicate with your body properly. This why I believe that every single person should have their spine checked. A proper and thorough examination includes looking at posture, palpating the muscles along the spine, moving the spine through ranges of motion, and having an x-ray. In our office, we use digital x-rays to capture a picture of the spine in the standing position. Measurements and analysis can then be done to determine exactly what the spine looks like. We show these x-rays to our patients and give a detailed explanation of our findings.

These steps allow us to be extremely precise and help to ensure that our care is extremely safe. We utilize a specific method of chiropractic, called the Gonstead Method, which is only practiced by a handful of doctors in each state. We also care for patients ranging from only days old to those in their 90’s. Youth, high school, college, and professional athletes utilize our care to come back from injuries, to help prevent injuries, and to maximize their athletic potential. We care for moms, dads, office workers, construction workers, couch potatoes, and pregnant women. We see patients of all ages and sizes.

If you have not had your spine checked, I urge you to do so. We are able to detect subluxations of the spine long before they cause symptoms. And while most people know we help with neck pain, back pain, numbness and tingling in the arm and hands, and other musculoskeletal conditions, many are surprised to find out that we have helped thousands of patients with conditions such as asthma, reflux, headaches (including migraines), digestive disorders, constipation, vertigo and dizziness, carpal tunnel syndrome, Restless Leg Syndrome, muscle weakness, menstrual issues, and even have helped with conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more.

It is time to have a spinal examination, including an x-ray (if needed), to determine the condition of your spine. Do you have one leg shorter than the other? Is there any arthritis in your spine? Do you have degenerative disc disease? Are either of your hips wearing down? Do you have scoliosis or any curvature of the spine? Is your spine headed for that dreaded hunching that your mother, aunts, or grandmother have? There is one way to determine ALL of this… have a thorough spinal examination and x-ray.

Your spine is so much more important than you’ve been taught. It could be choking off the lifeline to your organs, tissues, and cells. It could be what is causing your current ailments. Get checked TODAY!

Dr. Kurt

If you’ve been anywhere near Ames this week, you know… Iowa State move-in is in full swing. 🌪️Between the boxes, mini fr...
08/20/2026

If you’ve been anywhere near Ames this week, you know… Iowa State move-in is in full swing. 🌪️

Between the boxes, mini fridges, futons, and trips up three flights of stairs, your back might be getting a workout you didn’t sign up for.

Move-in tip: lift with your legs, skip the twisting, and maybe don’t try to carry the entire dorm room in one trip.

Feeling it afterward? We’re here to help.

Welcome back, Cyclones! 💛❤️

🚨 Today is the LAST DAY to vote!We’re honored to be a Top 5 Finalist in two categories in the 2026 Best of Story County ...
08/17/2026

🚨 Today is the LAST DAY to vote!

We’re honored to be a Top 5 Finalist in two categories in the 2026 Best of Story County Community’s Choice Awards:

⭐ Best Chiropractor — Dr. Kurt Ver Helst
⭐ Best Chiropractic Clinic — Ver Helst Chiropractic

If you haven’t cast your vote today, we’d truly appreciate your support before voting closes!

🗳️ Vote here: https://amestrib.gannettcontests.com/2026-Best-of-Story-County-Communitys-Choice-Awards/

Thank you to our patients, friends, and the entire Story County community for supporting a locally owned practice that’s been serving the area for nearly 40 years. ❤️

Check it out now!

Not sure what to expect at your first chiropractic appointment? 👋 We want the process to feel clear and comfortable from...
08/13/2026

Not sure what to expect at your first chiropractic appointment? 👋 We want the process to feel clear and comfortable from the start.

📋 Before your visit, we’ll send your paperwork so Dr. Kurt can review your health history and come prepared.

👨‍⚕️ When you arrive, Dr. Kurt will take time to listen to what you’re experiencing, explain what he finds, and answer your questions before making any recommendations.

🙌 Your first appointment includes a personalized adjustment based on what your body needs, never a one-size-fits-all routine.

Before you leave, we’ll also talk through what you may notice afterward and what future care could look like for you.

Ready to schedule your first visit? Learn more about what to expect and request an appointment here: https://www.verhelstchiropractic.com/what-to-expect

📞 (515) 233-1866
📍 4720 Mortensen Road, Suite 104, Ames

Nearly 40 years of caring for patients comes with a lot of lessons, and Dr. Kurt has put quite a few of them on paper. 📚...
08/11/2026

Nearly 40 years of caring for patients comes with a lot of lessons, and Dr. Kurt has put quite a few of them on paper. 📚

Did you know Dr. Kurt has authored multiple books on health, healing, and better understanding how your body works?

His books go beyond what we can cover during an appointment, sharing insights and practical information gathered from decades of experience helping people in Ames and the surrounding community.

Curious what he’s written? Take a look here:
https://www.verhelstchiropractic.com/books-by-dr-kurt-ver-helst

📞 (515) 233-1866

Explore Dr. Kurt Ver Helst's books on health & wellness. Gain insights into inflammation, chronic pain, & lifestyle strategies for better living.

Address

4720 Mortensen Road
Ames, IA
50014

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 7am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+15152331866

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