VSI Blog

As heard on WTOP

DEALING WITH THE EMOTIONAL EFFECTS OF CHRONIC PAIN

Living with chronic pain is not easy, and with time, can really affect one’s lifestyle. In fact, the psychological effects of chronic pain are often times just as significant as the painful physical condition itself. Emotional effects of chronic pain include irritability, depression, and anxiety.  Chronic pain can also affect one’s ability to interact with [...]

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FOUR TECHNIQUES TO REMEMBER WHEN HEADING OUT TO SHOVEL THIS WINTER

Shovel Away Your Low Back Pain This Winter. Snow shoveling often leads to low back injuries, so it is important to practice proper shoveling techniques to avoid these injuries. 1. PROPER STRETCHING: Warm Up: Think of shoveling like exercise; never start shoveling without a quick warm up! Get your heart rate up with a short [...]

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COULD THAT PAIN IN YOUR NECK BE CAUSING HEADACHES?

We’ve all suffered from that nagging headache, but did you know headaches can sometimes be caused by the neck. These headaches are called “cervicogenic headaches.” Cervicogenic headaches are sometimes misdiagnosed as either migraine or cluster headaches (headaches that originate in the head). HOW DOES NECK PAIN CAUSE HEADACHES? The roots of the upper 3 cervical [...]

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ACUPUNCTURE FOR BACK PAIN?

Back pain is one of the most prevalent reasons people seek health care. Millions of work days and recreation hours are lost each year because of back pain. Back pain comes in many forms: new or chronic , acute or long standing, constant or intermittent throughout the day. It also arises from various sources, including [...]

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DOES SMOKING FLARE UP LOW BACK PAIN?

Almost everyone knows that smoking is associated with diseases, such as lung cancer and emphysema. But, it’s surprising that most people are not aware of the correlation between smoking and other conditions, like low back pain. Recent studies show a stronger link between smoking and lower back pain. Furthermore, lumbar disc degeneration and lumbar arthritis [...]

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GET TO THE ROOT OF ARM NUMBNESS OR TINGLING

Don’t underestimate tingling, numbness, or pain in your arms. Get to the root of the problem — it could be caused by a pinched nerve in your wrist, elbow, or neck. Tingling in your thumb as well as index and middle fingers? This is often related to irritation of the nerve at the wrist.  If [...]

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ASK THE EXPERT: I have radiating pain down my legs (caused by herndiated discs) and have tried everything to resolve it. What are my treatment options?

Question: I have two herniated discs that have caused pain to radiate down my legs to my feet. I have tried everything from chiropractic and acupuncture to physical therapy and medications. But the pain is just getting worse. How does a doctor decide if surgery is the answer? And how long is too long to [...]

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WEAR IT WELL! TOP 10 TIPS TO LIGHTEN THE LOAD OF YOUR CHILD’S BACKPACK TO KEEP THEM PAIN FREE AND STANDING TALL

It’s that time of year again! Parents have received the infamous “must have” supply list from school. In your child’s eyes finding the most stylish backpack is at the top of their list. It’s important to know that the most aesthetically pleasing backpack may not always be the safest backpack for your child’s health. Did [...]

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ASK THE EXPERT: What happens if scoliosis is not treated? Is surgery the best option to treat scoliosis?

Question: What happens if scoliosis is not treated? Is surgery the best option to treat scoliosis? — Submitted by Jane N. Answer from topic expert, Dr. Christopher Good from the Virginia Spine Institute: Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that affects approximately 7 million people in the US.  Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is [...]

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