Osteoarthritis Treatment by Salem Chiropractic

Osteoarthritis Relief from Your Chiropractor in Salem, OR

Osteoarthritis, sometimes known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, affects about 27 million people in the U.S. Healthcare providers consider it the most common chronic joint disorder. The annoying symptoms of this condition can make performing favorite activities or even a normal daily routine difficult. Fortunately, our chiropractor in Salem, OR, Dr. Ryan Schirmer, can help bring relief to osteoarthritis patients who visit The Spine Clinic.

Overview of Osteoarthritis

This disorder most often affects joints in the knee, hip, lower back, neck, fingers, and bases of the big toe and the thumb. The most frequently occurring type of arthritis occurs when the cartilage that provides a cushion between bones starts disintegrating.

Over time, these bones can break down and develop spurs that pull free and move around in a joint, starting an inflammatory process. In end-stage osteoarthritis, cartilage has worn away, leaving bones to rub against each other. This causes joint damage and subsequent pain.

Osteoarthritis can affect patients of any age. However, it is most prevalent in those who have passed the 65th birthday. Typical risk factors are advancing age, carrying excess weight, a prior joint injury, joint overuse, weak thigh muscles, and genetics.

Although symptoms vary among patients, most tend to build as time passes rather than suddenly occur. The most common signs include:

• Stiff or sore joints after either overuse or a period of inactivity, especially in the knees, lower back, and hips

• Restricted range of motion or stiffness that disappears after the patient moves

• Audible cracking or clicking when bending a joint

• Joint swelling

• Pain that worsens after being active or as the day draws to a close

• Pain at the base of a thumb

​​​​​​​These symptoms can interfere with a career, social life, or family living if a patient does not receive proper treatment to avoid damage to joints, boost flexibility, and manage pain. Discomfort from osteoarthritis can also affect overall health. It can prevent an active lifestyle and result in gaining weight, followed by developing disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

Treatment Options at The Spine Clinic

Chiropractic treatment at The Spine Clinic in Salem focuses on relationships between joint structure and function and utilizes natural therapies. Our chiropractor evaluates a patient’s health history and conducts a comprehensive physical exam. Joint changes linked to osteoarthritis are evident to our doctor while examining or manipulating an individual's hips, spine, and knees. Diagnostic tests such as X-rays and MRI scans are also helpful.

The goal of our practice for patients with osteoarthritis is pain reduction and improved range of motion. The core treatments our doctor utilizes are chiropractic manipulation, physical therapy, and trigger point therapy. We also stress the importance of good nutrition.

Our chiropractor will make sure that your body has proper alignment and will create a customized treatment plan to reduce pain, improve motion, and slow the advancement of osteoarthritis. Many patients are also under the care of medical providers. We encourage them to remain actively involved and participate with other wellness providers to whom they have been referred.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Chiropractor in Salem, OR

Don’t let discomfort from osteoarthritis interfere with your active lifestyle. Our chiropractor in Salem, OR, Dr. Ryan Schirmer, will help you achieve relief naturally, without the use of surgery or medication. Call us at The Spine Clinic today at (503) 362-5555 to schedule a consultation and to begin your journey to wellness. We offer chiropractic treatment, physiotherapy, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle advice to help you recover from an injury or function at an optimal level of wellness.