Virginia Spine Institute

VSI Blog

Prevention

GET UP, GET MOVING; 6 HEALTH BENEFITS OF WALKING

You don’t have to be a runner to participate in the Spinal Research Foundation’s upcoming We’ve Got Your Back Race For Spinal Health {May 18th}! Walking is an excellent form of exercise; whether you are just starting to exercise, recovering from an injury or are just looking to get outside and get moving; read on [...]


GET TO KNOW YOUR GLUTEUS MEDIUS MUSCLE

Did you know that the gluteus medius is one of the most important muscles in the body? It plays a key role in prevention of low back, hip, knee and ankle injuries. The gluteus medius muscle is also key in helping one return from such injuries. What is the gluteus medius? The gluteus medius is [...]


OVERCOME MINDLESS EATING WITH THE SECRET TO IMPROVE WILLPOWER

Virginia Spine Institute welcomes, guest blogger , Ryan Lonnett, a Certified Health Counselor and the founder of Empowered Wellness. Leveraging his culinary and nutritional training along with professional coaching education and experience, he delivers custom programs and group classes that provide a unique combination of nutritional information and practical kitchen skills for achieving wellness goals [...]


A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS WITH THESE FOUR EASY STEPS

Optimizing your health through four easy steps: Do not smoke or use nicotine products. (Click here for tips on how to quit) Maintain a healthy body weight. Exercise regularly. Follow a healthy diet. These four simple steps may seem like common sense but are very significant to reducing one’s risk for developing common deadly chronic [...]


WINTER FUN; TIPS TO PREVENT POTENTIAL INJURY WHILE ICE SKATING

Ice skating is a fun way to get some exercise this holiday season. Before your gear up for the ice; check out these tips on preventing potential injury. Skates: Make sure you are outfitted with skates that fit properly. If they are too tight or too big, you may get frustrated, especially if you are [...]


PAIN IN THE NECK: TIPS TO ALLEVIATE SYMPTOMS

  Did you know your neck is one of the most flexible segments of your spine? However neck pain affects 10% of the population annually. Pain is either localized to the cervical spine, commonly known as your neck, or it may radiate down your arm, which is referred to as “radiculopathy.” Because the nerves in [...]


DOES YOUR PRE-PREGNANCY CHECKLIST INCLUDE FOLIC ACID?

For all of the future mothers out there, this one is for you! Folic acid supplements are the key component for reducing the risks of neural tube defects, like spina bifida. Folic acid is a B vitamin, which helps the expectant mother’s body produce healthy red blood cells which in turn help with the growth [...]


TIPS TO PREVENT A HERNIATED DISC AT THE GYM

  One of the more common injuries that can result from weight lifting at the gym is a herniated disc.  A herniated disc, also referred to as a slipped, bulging or ruptured disc, is a condition in which the disc slips out of its outer covering, pushing against spinal nerves. Herniated discs can cause extreme [...]


ARM YOURSELF WITH THESE HELPFUL TIPS TO COMBAT THE EARLY START TO FLU SEASON

  Flu season is upon us and in the spirit of National Hand Washing Awareness Week; we’ve put together a few tips on flu prevention. Should I get vaccinated? According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), all healthy people aged 6 months and up should be vaccinated. Who should not get vaccinated? Children under [...]


RISK FACTORS & PREVENTION TIPS FOR ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL)

  What is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)? The anterior cruciate ligament is one of 4 knee ligaments that connect the upper leg bone (femur) with the lower leg bone (tibia). The ACL stabilizes knee movement by: Preventing the lower leg bone from sliding forward or turning inward when the leg is straight. Preventing the [...]