Back Pain Specialist in Kentwood, MI

Real Relief From Back Pain That Actually Lasts

Stop letting back pain control your life – get personalized treatment that targets the root cause, not just symptoms.

Hear from Our Customers

Kentwood Chiropractic Back Pain Treatment

Get Back to Living Pain-Free

You wake up stiff. Your back aches during your commute. Sitting at your desk becomes unbearable by noon. Sound familiar?

You’re not alone – 80% of adults will experience back pain in their lifetime, and if you’re one of the 54% who spend most of your workday sitting, your risk is even higher. The good news? Most back pain doesn’t require surgery or a lifetime of medication.

What you need is someone who actually listens to your specific situation and creates a treatment plan that works for your body, your schedule, and your goals. That’s exactly what we do at Chiropractic First in Kentwood.

Kentwood Chiropractor Since 1998

26+ Years of Proven Results

Dr. James Heath opened Chiropractic First in 1998 and has provided holistic, wellness-focused care to thousands of patients over the past two decades. He’s not the newest chiropractor in town, but that’s exactly why our patients choose us.

While other practices use cookie-cutter approaches, Dr. Heath evaluates each person individually and creates tailored care plans using multiple techniques – not just one method for everyone. Our whole-person focus means we don’t just treat symptoms but work to cure the underlying problem.

With Michigan reporting about 20,000 work-related injury claims annually and 78,900 workplace injuries in 2023, having an experienced back pain specialist who understands how workplace injuries develop and heal is crucial for Kentwood residents.

Back Pain Treatment Process Kentwood

Here's Exactly What Happens

Your first visit starts with a thorough consultation and examination – no rushing, no assumptions. Dr. Heath wants to understand not just where you hurt, but how your pain developed, what makes it worse, and what your daily life looks like.

Next comes your personalized treatment plan. This might include chiropractic adjustment, spinal decompression therapy, corrective exercises, or chiropractic massage – whatever combination your specific condition requires. Treatment options include traditional chiropractic adjustments, Thompson drop table adjustments, Activator adjustments, diversified chiropractic care, Arthrostim light force adjustments, decompression therapy, and massage therapy.

Throughout your care, you’ll see exactly why patients stay with Dr. Heath long-term. It’s not just about getting out of pain – it’s about staying healthy and preventing future problems. You’ll learn exercises you can do at home, understand what triggers your pain, and have a plan for maintaining your progress.

Ready to get started?

Explore More Services

About Chiropractic First

Get a Free Consultation

Comprehensive Back Pain Services Kentwood

Complete Care for Every Type of Back Pain

Whether your back pain comes from workplace lifting (which causes 80% of back-related workplace injuries) or develops gradually from poor posture, we have the tools and experience to help.

Our Kentwood office treats everything from acute lower back pain and herniated discs to chronic conditions like sciatica and muscle spasms. Common conditions we see include neck pain, back pain, low back pain, headaches, sciatica, scoliosis, arm pain, leg pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle spasms.

Since up to 92% of back injuries result from stressful postures in daily life or workplace activities, and 95% of people with low back pain recover within a few months with proper treatment, getting the right care early makes all the difference. We also offer a $37 new patient special because we believe cost shouldn’t prevent you from getting the help you need.

How long does it take to see results from chiropractic treatment for back pain?

Most patients notice some improvement within the first few visits, often within the first week of treatment. However, every case is different depending on how long you’ve had the pain, what caused it, and your overall health. Since 95% of people with low back pain recover within a few months with proper treatment, we typically see significant progress within 2-4 weeks for acute injuries. Chronic conditions that have developed over months or years may take longer to fully resolve, but you should still feel meaningful improvement relatively quickly. The key is consistency with your treatment plan and following through with any home exercises or lifestyle modifications we recommend. Dr. Heath will give you realistic expectations based on your specific condition during your initial consultation.

Do you treat work-related back injuries in Kentwood?

Absolutely. Michigan Worker’s Compensation Law requires you to first contact your employer and report the injury. Your employer can either send you to their company doctor or send you to us with a signed consent to treat form, making us the company doctor for your injury. If your company sends you to their doctor first, you still have the option to seek care at the doctor of your choice after 28 days pass from when they sent you to their doctor. We can walk you through this entire process. With 80% of back-related workplace injuries affecting the lower back and back injuries accounting for 38.5% of all work-related musculoskeletal disorders, we have extensive experience treating workplace injuries and understand the documentation requirements for workers’ compensation cases.

What's the difference between your approach and other chiropractors in Kentwood?

The biggest difference is that we don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. While many practices stick to just one technique or treatment method, Dr. Heath evaluates each patient individually and uses whatever combination of techniques will work best for your specific condition. Our treatment options include traditional chiropractic adjustments, Thompson drop table adjustments, Activator adjustments, diversified chiropractic care, Arthrostim light force adjustments, decompression therapy, and chiropractic massage. This means we can adapt our treatment as your condition improves or if we need to try a different approach. Plus, with 26+ years of experience since 1998, Dr. Heath has seen just about every type of back problem and knows what works. You’re not just another number here – you get personalized attention and a treatment plan designed specifically for your situation, your goals, and your lifestyle.

How much does back pain treatment cost at your Kentwood office?

We offer a $37 new patient special that includes your consultation, history, and examination. This gives you and Dr. Heath the chance to determine if chiropractic care is right for your specific condition before committing to a full treatment plan. After your initial visit, treatment costs vary depending on what services you need and how frequently you need them. We accept most insurance plans and will verify your coverage before treatment begins so there are no surprises. We also believe that cost shouldn’t prevent you from getting the help you need, which is why we offer that new patient special and work with patients on payment options when needed. The most expensive treatment is the one that doesn’t work – our goal is to get you better as efficiently as possible so you’re not spending money on endless visits.

Can you help with chronic back pain that I've had for months or years?

Yes, chronic back pain is actually one of our specialties. While reoccurrence is common with back pain (20-44% likelihood within one year for working adults), the right treatment approach can break that cycle and provide long-term relief. Chronic pain often develops because the underlying cause was never properly addressed – just the symptoms. Dr. Heath’s approach focuses on identifying and correcting the root problem, whether that’s spinal misalignment, muscle imbalances, poor posture habits, or workplace ergonomics issues. If your pain is related to spinal misalignment, chiropractic adjustments to that section of the spinal column can relieve pressure and help prevent future problems. We also use techniques like spinal decompression therapy and teach you exercises and lifestyle modifications to maintain your progress. Many patients with chronic pain see significant improvement even when other treatments haven’t worked.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to see you for back pain?

No referral is needed. You can schedule directly with our office for back pain treatment. In fact, many patients find that starting with chiropractic care helps them avoid more invasive treatments down the road. If you suffer from pain or limited mobility, you don’t need medications or surgery in the greater majority of cases. Rather, you need a solution that resolves the underlying cause of your pain. That’s exactly what chiropractic care is designed to do. However, Dr. Heath works collaboratively with other healthcare providers when needed. If your condition requires additional medical evaluation or treatment beyond what chiropractic care can provide, we’ll make appropriate recommendations. The goal is always to get you the right care for your specific situation, whether that’s chiropractic treatment alone or as part of a broader healthcare team approach.

Local Resources

Kentwood, MI is located in Kent County in Michigan State

<img src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/chiropractic-first-chiropractor-in-grand-rapids-mi.png" alt="Chiropractic First" />