DAVID SCHEINER, DC
Chiropractic Care for Arthritis and Joint Pain
Arthritis — inflammation and degeneration of joint cartilage — affects more than 58 million Americans and is one of the leading causes of chronic pain and disability. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, results from the breakdown of cartilage over time and most commonly affects the spine, hips, knees, and hands. Chiropractic care does not reverse arthritis, but it is highly effective at managing pain, maintaining joint function, and slowing the progression of functional decline. Many patients in ATLANTA, Georgia use chiropractic care as a long-term strategy for managing arthritic pain without relying exclusively on anti-inflammatory medications.
Chiropractic treatment for arthritis uses gentle joint mobilization — rather than high-velocity manipulation — to maintain range of motion, reduce stiffness, and improve circulation in and around affected joints. Soft tissue therapy addresses the compensating muscle patterns that develop around arthritic joints, and chiropractors commonly provide guidance on exercise, nutrition, and ergonomics to support joint health over the long term.
- Spinal osteoarthritis — cartilage loss in the facet joints of the spine causes stiffness and pain that is typically worst in the morning and improves with movement.
- Hip and knee arthritis — chiropractic extremity adjustments and exercise guidance can reduce pain and improve function, delaying or avoiding joint replacement surgery for some patients.
- Inflammatory arthritis — rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis require coordination with a rheumatologist; chiropractic care can be a safe complementary treatment for pain and mobility.
- Cervical spondylosis — age-related degeneration in the neck causing stiffness, headaches, and sometimes nerve symptoms into the arms.
Visiting a Chiropractor
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
- Photo ID and insurance card (or a payment method if paying out of pocket)
- A list of current medications and supplements, including dosages
- Any relevant imaging you already have — X-rays, MRI reports, or CT scans
- A description of your symptoms: where the pain is, when it started, and what makes it better or worse
- A list of previous injuries or surgeries that may be related to your current complaint
Questions to Ask at Your First Visit
- Are you in-network with my insurance? Coverage varies widely between plans — confirm before your visit to avoid surprise bills.
- What is your approach to my specific condition? Chiropractors have different treatment philosophies and technique preferences.
- How many visits should I expect? A reputable chiropractor can give you an estimated treatment timeline after an initial assessment.
- When should I expect to see improvement? Most patients with acute conditions see meaningful progress within the first 4–6 visits.
- Do you co-manage with other providers? For complex cases, coordination with a primary care physician or specialist may be appropriate.
What DC Credentials Mean
A Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) completes a minimum of seven years of higher education, including a four-year accredited doctoral program covering anatomy, physiology, diagnosis, radiology, and spinal manipulation technique. All US chiropractors must pass National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exams and hold an active state license. License renewal requires ongoing continuing education.
About NPI Verification
The National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique 10-digit number issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to every licensed healthcare provider in the United States. This provider's NPI number confirms their registration in the federal health provider registry maintained by CMS and used for insurance claims processing nationwide.