Patient Guide
How to Choose a Chiropractor in Grand Rapids, MI
Updated November 8, 2026 · By The Chiropractic Doctors, Grand Rapids
Short answer: pick a chiropractor who is licensed in Michigan, does an exam before any care, explains what they find in plain words, and has real local reviews. Then check that the care fits your problem and the office fits your week. Use the checklist below to compare offices before you book.
Quick checklist
| What to check | Why it matters | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan license | Only licensed doctors of chiropractic can treat you. | Ask the office, or look the doctor up with the state. |
| Exam before care | The cause of pain is not the same for everyone. | Ask what the first visit includes. |
| Clear answers | You should know what they found and why. | Notice if they explain it in plain words. |
| Real reviews | Other patients show you what visits are like. | Read recent Google reviews, not just the stars. |
| The right care | Back pain, nerve pain and kids need different care. | Check their service pages for your problem. |
| Easy to get to | Care only helps if you can make it in. | Check the address, hours and parking. |
1. Check the license and training
A chiropractor earns a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. In Michigan, they also need a state license to treat patients. It is fine to ask an office about this. A good office will be glad you asked.
Want the details on the training? Read what kind of doctor a chiropractor is. The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health also has a plain guide to chiropractic care.
2. Look for an exam first
Two people with back pain can have two different causes. That is why the first step should be an exam. Ask what the first visit includes before you book.
A good exam looks at how you move, where it hurts and what makes it worse. It also covers your health history. This helps the doctor decide if chiropractic care is a good fit for you.
3. Expect clear answers
You should leave knowing what the doctor found and what your options are. If the answers are hard to follow, ask again. Simple words are a good sign.
Ask about your options and what each one involves.
4. Read real local reviews
Stars are a start, but the words matter more. Look for reviews that talk about the exam, the staff and how the doctor explained things. Recent reviews tell you the most.
You can read what our patients say on our patient reviews page.
5. Match the care to your problem
Not every office does the same things. Check that they help with what you have. For example:
- Back pain and sciatica
- Neck pain and headaches
- Spinal decompression for disc problems
- Car accident injuries
- Kids and pregnancy
MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, has more on what chiropractors treat.
6. Pick an office that fits your week
Care works best when it is easy to get to. Check the address, the hours and how simple it is to book.
Our office is at 5747 28th Street Southeast, in the Cascade area of Grand Rapids. Patients come from Kentwood, Forest Hills, Ada, Wyoming and more. See all the areas we serve.
Red flags to watch for
- No exam before treatment.
- A promise of a cure or a set result.
- Answers you cannot follow, even after you ask again.
Meet our Grand Rapids team
If you are looking for a chiropractor in Grand Rapids, we would be glad to meet you. Use the checklist above to compare, and ask us anything.
Our doctors are Dr. Matthew Phinney, Dr. Drew Bailey and Dr. Alec Papes. Dr. Phinney has more than 35 years of practice in Grand Rapids. Learn more on our new patient page or meet the team.
About this guide. Written by The Chiropractic Doctors, 5747 28th Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Updated November 8, 2026. Meet our doctors.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with a licensed provider about your own health.
Related: See the list of conditions chiropractors treat, or contact our chiropractor Grand Rapids office near Cascade.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a chiropractor is licensed in Michigan?
Every chiropractor in Michigan needs a state license. Ask the office for the doctor's full name and license, or look it up with the State of Michigan. At The Chiropractic Doctors, each of our doctors holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
Do chiropractors only treat back pain?
No. Our doctors also help with neck pain, headaches, sciatica, car accident injuries, and care for kids and pregnancy. Each has its own page on our site.
Is there a gentle option?
Yes. Our doctors use a range of techniques, including the Thompson Drop Table method, which is a gentle, low-force approach.
Where is your Grand Rapids office?
We are at 5747 28th Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, in the Cascade area. Call (616) 432-3103 with any questions.
Talk to a Chiropractor in Grand Rapids
Have a question before you book? Our team is happy to help. Call us or book online and we will find a time that works for you.