Arthritis can cause joint pain and stiffness. Some forms of arthritis can affect the spine. Osteoarthritis, the most common, breaks down the cartilage that cushions the bones where they meet. Other forms may also cause back pain.

Many conditions, such as herniated discs, sciatica and spinal stenosis, can cause back pain. Lower back pain may be related to the sciatic nerve.

A compression fracture occurs when the vertebrae (small bones in the spine) weaken and break. The pain may last for several weeks or more.

Healthy discs help cushion the bones in the spine and support movement. If these rubbery discs break down, you may lose flexibility and feel pain and stiffness.

Herniated disc happens when one of the discs between the spinal bones starts to tear, and the softer center of the disc pushes outwards.

Osteoporosis causes your bones to weaken, which can make them break more easily. Your treatment may combine lifestyle changes, diet, exercise and medicine to slow bone loss and make your bones stronger.

Radiculopathy includes symptoms such as pain or numbness caused by a pinched nerve in the lower, middle or upper spine.

Spinal stenosis refers to narrowing of the space around the spinal cord. This puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Spondylolysis is a crack or stress fracture in a bone in the spine. If the bone weakens and slips out of place, the condition is spondylolisthesis. Both conditions are common among children and teens who take part in certain sports.

Synovial cysts are fluid-filled sacs that most often affect the lower spine. They sometimes press on the spinal nerves and lead to spinal stenosis.

Tumors on the spine may be cancerous or noncancerous. Cancerous tumors need to be treated. Noncancerous tumors may need to be removed if they grow too large or cause pain.

Braces, wraps and other devices may help support injured muscles, tendons and ligaments and allow them to rest while they heal. They also may help prevent future injuries. If the spine is curved, a brace can help correct the curvature.

Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation to reduce pain and increase mobility. They often combine chiropractic care with exercise and other nonsurgical treatments.

When an injury or condition such as a broken bone, arthritis, knee pain or shoulder pain strikes, you want to get back on track as soon as possible.

Orthopedic specialists care for problems with bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and muscle tissue. Whether your orthopedic condition is due to arthritis, injury, sports or just wear and tear, or if your child needs orthopedic care, our specialists are ready to help.

You’ll benefit from a team of experts who use advanced treatments, including nonsurgical therapies and minimally invasive surgery, for knee replacement and hip replacement. Together, we’ll give you the power to recover quickly, improve your quality of life and prevent future problems.

Nationally recognized joint replacement care

PeaceHealth has been named one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the United States for Total Joint Replacement. Our specialists perform more than 1,000 hip and knee replacements every year.

Minimally-invasive treatments

PeaceHealth offers minimally invasive hip replacement, knee replacement and shoulder surgeries that give patients the power to heal faster and return to activities sooner.

A team approach to care

Your team of orthopedic physicians, surgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists and other orthopedic experts at PeaceHealth works together to treat your condition and help prevent problems in the future.

Hip pain can slow you down. Hip problems can be caused by injury, overuse, compressed nerves or other reasons. You might need hip care services if you have severe or constant pain, swelling, numbness or stiffness in your hips.

Treatments include both surgical and nonsurgical methods. If you need surgery as part of your care, we perform the least-invasive procedures possible. These include hip arthroscopy and robotic-assisted surgery.

Your care team will make sure you have the power to care for your hips through comprehensive treatment. PeaceHealth offers a full range of treatments to support your needs.

Precision care

PeaceHealth, when appropriate, surgeons utilize robotic-assisted surgery to help make sure your hip procedure is done precisely. Minimally invasive, arthroscopic methods offer tailored procedures with potentially reduced recovery time.

Seamless, integrated care

Doctors at PeaceHealth work with specialists from many areas to design the treatment plan that’s right for you. They work with doctors who specialize in surgery, imaging, physical medicine, rehabilitation, home health and more — you benefit from a dedicated, integrated team.

Personal attention

At PeaceHealth, your care team uses many advanced therapies to fit treatment to your needs. You’ll have help from the team of experts at PeaceHealth who work together to offer you complete care.

Nationally recognized joint replacement care

PeaceHealth has been named one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the United States for Total Joint Replacement. Our specialists perform more than 1,000 hip and knee replacements every year.

Arthritis, falls, injuries and everyday wear and tear can take a toll on your joints. Symptoms range from pain and stiffness to trouble walking. If your joints can’t be repaired, it may be time to think about joint replacement.

Joint replacement uses long-lasting materials and advanced methods to replace your damaged joint with an artificial one called an implant. Orthopedic surgeons at PeaceHealth often perform hip, knee and shoulder replacement surgery using minimally invasive approaches, including robotic-assisted surgery. This can mean smaller incisions (cuts), less pain and faster healing.

Every year, nationally recognized orthopedic surgeons at PeaceHealth perform nearly 2,000 hip and knee replacements. From surgery through rehabilitation, our trusted specialists offer support that’s focused on you.

What to expect

Your personal experience will depend on the type of joint replacement you need. To get you ready for surgery, you may go to educational classes or receive written information. Most joint replacement patients have general anesthesia and are asleep during the procedure. If your surgery is minor, you may stay awake and have local anesthesia to numb the surgical area. After making one or more small incisions (cuts), your surgeon will remove or resurface the damaged bones and replace them with the artificial pieces. Most surgeries take about two to four hours. When the implants are in place and the new joint is working as it should, the surgeon will close the incision using stitches, staples or a special type of cement. These may dissolve on their own or may need to be removed about 10 days after surgery. You will likely begin rehabilitation with our physical and occupational therapists within a day or two after your surgery (which may continue after you leave the hospital). Most patients spend three to four days in the hospital. You may need a caregiver at home for the first several weeks to help you care for yourself. You will see your surgeon for several follow-up visits to check how you’re healing. Most patients are fully recovered within several months to a year.

PeaceHealth is a regional and national leader in joint replacement. You’re cared for by expert orthopedic surgeons and specialists who focus on your needs.

One of the nation’s best hospitals for hip and knee replacement

PeaceHealth has been named one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the United States for Total Joint Replacement. This distinction from the BlueCross BlueShield Association recognizes facilities that deliver evidence-based quality care. Because our surgeons perform more than 1,000 procedures every year patients can depend on expert surgical care and pre-op and post-op services to meet your specific needs.

First to perform anterior hip replacement surgery

A surgeon at PeaceHealth was the first in Oregon to perform anterior (front) approach hip surgery, which causes less muscle damage and enhances outcomes.

Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted joint replacement

Orthopedic surgeons at PeaceHealth perform hip and knee replacements using minimally invasive methods. These include the advanced Mako robotic-assisted surgical system, which is designed to be more precise and accurate.

State-of-the-art surgical suites

Orthopedic surgeons at PeaceHealth perform surgery in our “Smart OR” surgical suites. These technologically advanced operating rooms permit 3-D image-guided surgery and let surgeons access images during surgery and send them to specialists for real-time consultations.

Comprehensive care from surgery to rehabilitation

The Joint Replacement Center's Back On Track Program at PeaceHealth offers a planned course of treatment that supports wellness and recovery. Programs include surgery preparation, postoperative group physical therapy, “coaching” training for a family member or friend, private rooms and a personal coordinator.

Knee pain can limit how well you move around. Knee problems are often the result of overuse, injuries or compressed nerves.

You might need care if you have severe or constant pain, swelling, numbness or stiffness in one or both knees. Treatments include both surgical and nonsurgical methods. If you need surgery, you can find the least-invasive procedures possible. These include knee arthroscopy and robotic-assisted placement.

Your care team will give you the power to care for your knees and heal better. PeaceHealth offers a full range of treatments to support your needs.

Nationally recognized joint replacement care

PeaceHealth has been named one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the United States for Total Joint Replacement. Our specialists perform more than 1,000 hip and knee replacements every year.

Precision treatment

Surgeons at PeaceHealth utilize robotic-assisted surgery to help make sure your knee procedure is done precisely. Minimally invasive, arthroscopic methods offer tailored procedures with reduced recovery time.

Integrated care

Doctors at PeaceHealth work with specialists from many areas to design the treatment plan that’s right for you. They work with doctors who specialize in surgery, imaging, physical medicine, rehabilitation and more. You benefit from a dedicated, integrated team.

Personal attention

At PeaceHealth, your care team uses many advanced therapies to tailor treatment to your needs. You’ll have help from a team of experts who work together to offer you complete care.

You carry a lot on your shoulders. Shoulder problems are often the result of overuse, injuries, degenerative disease or compressed nerves.

You might need care if you have severe or constant pain, swelling or numbness in one or both arms or shoulders. Treatments include surgical and nonsurgical methods. If you need surgery, we perform the least-invasive procedures possible, including shoulder arthroscopy.

Your care team will make sure you have the power to care for your shoulders and heal better. PeaceHealth offers a full range of treatments to support your needs.

Precision care

Surgeons at PeaceHealth utilize robotic-assisted surgery to help make sure your shoulder procedure is done precisely. Minimally invasive, arthroscopic methods offer tailored procedures with potentially reduced recovery time.

Seamless, integrated care

Doctors at PeaceHealth work with specialists from many areas to design the treatment plan that’s right for you. They work with doctors who specialize in surgery, imaging, physical medicine, rehabilitation and more. You benefit from a dedicated, integrated team.

Personal attention

At PeaceHealth, your care team uses many advanced therapies to tailor treatment to your needs. You’ll have help from the team of experts at PeaceHealth, who work together to offer you complete care.

PeaceHealth offers a range of surgical procedures. Whenever possible, we use the least invasive techniques available, including:

• Discectomy or microdiscectomy – removes material from a herniated disk that’s pressing on the nerve or spinal cord.
• Disc replacement – removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial disc.
• Spinal fusion – connects weak or damaged vertebrae to make them stronger, often using metal implants or bone from your body or a donor.
• Laminectomy and laminotomy – removes part or all of the thin bones in the vertebrae (lamina) that press on the spinal cord or nerves and cause numbness and pain.

Evaluate and treat sprains, strains and other sports injuries.