We asked our team how they spread holiday cheer; take a look at these festive answers:

What’s your favorite holiday tradition?

The Virginia Spine Institute is an award-winning medical practice in the DC area solely dedicated to spinal health care. Over the past 20 years we have improved the lives of over 50,000 patients. What makes us different is that we have assembled the top specialists from multiple disciplines of spinal health care under one roof to provide convenience of specialty care for our patients!

The Virginia Spine Institute is a Pioneer in the Field with these Leading Advances:

• First Robot-Guided Spinal Surgery in Mid-Atlantic Region
• First Use of Genetic Engineering in Surgery (all surgery not just spinal) in Washington, DC Metro Area
• First Use of Bioresorbable Implants in Spinal Surgery in Washington, DC Metro Area
• First Implantation of a Cervical Disc in Washington, DC Metro Area
• First Implantation of a Lumbar Disc in Washington, DC Metro Area
• First Artificial / Prosthetic Disc in Washington, DC Metro Area
• First Recombinant hDNA Product for Spinal Surgery (BMP) in Washington, DC Metro Area
• First Vertebroplasty for Osteoporotic Compression Fractures in Washington, DC Metro Area
• First Kyphoplasty in Washington, DC Metro Area
• First DLIF/XLIF: Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery Through a Lateral Approach in Washington, DC Metro Area
• First MIS surgery: Microlaminectomy with Tubular Retraction System (Medtronic) in Washington, DC Metro Area
• First Treatment with Spinal Cord Stimulator in Washington, DC Metro Area
• First Use of Genetic Testing / Counseling for a Spinal Condition (Scoliosis) in Washington, DC Metro Area
• First Use of Scoliscore, the genetic test to help predict a teenagers risk of scoliosis curve progression

Recent Awards:

• U.S. News & World Report Top Doctors (top 1% nationwide)
• 100 Best Spine Surgeons and Specialists in America
• Washingtonian Top Doctors
• 70 Best Pain Management Physicians in America
• Patients’ Choice Awards
• Nationally Recognized: 12 Spine Surgeons for Professional Athletes & 10 Spine Surgeons for NFL Teams
• Spine Consultants to the Washington Redskins Since 1993
• Washington Business Journal’s Best Places to Work
• Super Doctors

You know what they say, time flies when you’re having fun! It’s hard to believe this year we are celebrating 20 years in business. We couldn’t have done it without our patients’ loyalty, medical team’s dedication, and the support of our administrative staff. To say THANK YOU we are extending  an exclusive, You Scratch Our Backs, We’ll Scratch Yours promotion*.  For each friend or family member you refer to the Virginia Spine Institute, during the months of September 2012 through September 2013, you will receive a  gratitude package chock full of VSI love (a free 30-minute massage at Virginia Therapy & Fitness Center)!

* Promotion Details: Everyone is eligible to take advantage of this promotion and may receive one free massage per referral (multiple referrals accepted). For this anniversary offer, referral must occur during the month of September 2012- September 2013 and must schedule and fulfill an appointment at the Virginia Spine Institute. Massage at Virginia Therapy & Fitness Center must be redeemed by date printed on gift voucher and said voucher must be presented at time of service.

Check out these photos from the VSI archives:

First VSI Office -- Circa 1992

Ribbon Cutting at Current VSI Office -- 2005

RESTON, VIRGINIA, MAY 14, 2012 – The 5^th Annual “We’ve Got Your Back” 5K Run/Walk held May 12, 2012 on the grounds of the Virginia Spine Institute in Reston, Virginia, attracted a record-breaking 800 participants and raised more than $100,000 for the Spinal Research Foundation (SRF).

“We want to empower spinal patients with knowledge and hope, and today celebrated that, said Thomas C. Schuler, M.D., F.A.C.S, founder and president of SRF. “We have had people with major spinal issues who were worried that their lives were over, that they couldn’t do things they love or carry out their careers. But through modern spinal care – both operative and non-operative – we’ve gotten people back to unbelievable levels of activity even returning people to careers in the military and the National Football League.”

Washington Redskins players Rocky McIntosh, Reed Doughty, and Josh Wilson – who have all undergone spinal treatment and returned to the NFL – gave powerful testaments to the value of effective spinal treatment.

Dr. Schuler noted that more than nine out of 10 people will suffer from severe neck and/or low back pain during their lifetimes. Approximately 10 percent of these people develop chronic pain, which means that at any given time, 35 million people in the United States are directly affected by disabling pain and many more indirectly. Techniques to cure, manage and prevent these conditions need to be developed, implemented, and proven.

The event also featured a Spinal Health Fair that focused on nutrition, exercise, and prevention of spine conditions.

Three of the top five finishers in the race were women. [view full race results]

In the women’s competition, Anna Holt-Gosselin (Vienna, VA) won in 17:46, Barbara Fallon Wallace (Alexandria, VA) was second in 17:56, and Kim Fagen (Vienna, VA) was third in 18:20.

In the men’s competition, Gurmessa Megerssa (Washington, DC) won in 15:26, Jonathon Weiss (Great Falls, VA) was second in 18:03, and Chris Webb (Reston, VA) was third in 19:40.

“SRF is identifying the best treatments for spinal problems through a national network of research centers,” Schuler said. “This network is expanding to all 50 states. We are challenging all of our Regional Research Partners to host 5K events in their cities to raise awareness of spinal treatment success, help individuals establish goals to improve their health, and to raise funds for further research.”

The next of SRF’s national  “We’ve Got Your Back” race series will take place September 15, 2012 in San Francisco, California.

View the online photo gallery from the event on flickr.

Check out  “We’ve Got Your Back” race coverage from The Connection.

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The Virginia Spine Institute is proud to team up with the Spinal Research Foundation (a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization) to host the Fifth Annual, “We’ve Got Your Back” 5K race and 1 mile fun run/walk for spinal health. All proceeds from the race directly benefit the Spinal Research Foundation’s mission to improve spinal health care through research, education, and patient advocacy. Sign up for the 2012 event to make this the largest race in the nation for spinal health care — and don’t forget to join your doctor’s team!

WHY JOIN A TEAM: Together everyone achieves more! Connect with your favorite medical team at this fun-filled community event. Team up with your doctors with the goal of improving the future of spinal health care. Invite your friends and family to join your doctor’s team as well.

HOW TO REGISTER AS A MEMBER OF A TEAM: It’s easy! When prompted to enter participant information on page two of the online registration, select your doctor’s team name from the drop down menu. Regardless of whether you are entering the 5K run or 1 mile walk, you are eligible for any of the teams.

ON RACE DAY: Doctors’ Teams meet up for a pre-race cheer and then regroup for a post race celebration and photo opp!

For additional event information visit us online.
If you have any questions please email us race@spinerf.org.

See what you missed from last year’s event! Click here to check out footage from the 2011 We’ve Got Your Back event hosted at VSI!

Don’t miss out! Check out behind the scenes event prep and training tips.
Follow us on Twitter
Join the We’ve Got Your Back official fan club

Whether you realize it or not, in the year 2020 the Surgeon General’s report estimates one in two Americans over age 50 will have or be at high risk for osteoporosis. If these predictions come true, this will have a devastating impact on the well being of Americans as they age.

Bone health is critically important to the overall health and quality of life for Americans. Since the bone health status of Americans appears to be in jeopardy, educating individuals is of prime importance.

Come out on May 12^th to learn new tips for ensuring your bone healthy lifestyle. The fifth annual We’ve Got Your Back race for spinal health hosted at the Virginia Spine Institute (VSI) is set to feature a spinal health fair to promote public awareness. Prevention of bone disease begins at birth and is a lifelong challenge. Individuals can improve their bone health by engaging in regular physical activity, following a calcium-rich diet, and avoiding behaviors that can be bone damaging.

In preparation of the upcoming spinal health fair, our VSI team is launching a Milk Mustache campaign. The mission of this campaign is to promote bone health awareness by showcasing which calcium-rich foods our team consumes to meet their target daily intake levels (appropriate amount should be determined by your physician).

Check out our very own milk mustache celebrities on flickr. You’ll notice our favorite calcium sources include milk, yogurt, cereal, broccoli, almonds, cereal,  salmon, and cheese. Where do you get your calcium?

Join our Milk Mustache campaign on race day by posing with you favorite calcium source in the photo booth or better yet email us your photos (link to milk mustache recipe) in advance to marketing@spinemd.com.

**Our not-so-secret Milk Mustache recipe was actually borrowed from the kind folks at the Western Dairy Association.  Mix up a batch to sport your milk mustache today! Click here to view recipe

I’ll give you an example.  Last week a patient requested to speak with me after her appointment.  When I stepped out of my office, I was greeted by a very kind woman who wanted to personally express her gratitude for the excellent care and service she was receiving since becoming a patient.  She stated that she had been to all sorts of doctors, searching to find one that could get to the root of her pain and return her to a pain free lifestyle.  She expressed her gratitude for discovering VSI as she feels her prayers have been answered.  It was music to my ears to hear her go on about the expertise our physicians possess paired with a practice that truly cares for their patients. She made it clear that she will continue to drive more than an hour one way because she knows she is receiving the best care. Hearing her accolades gave me goose bumps. Her feedback is reinforcement to the endless hours of hard work that goes in to cultivating a dynamic business model and compassionate culture for our patients and coworkers which shows them we truly care.

This is also evident in the structure of our business…

VSI is the only practice in the Mid Atlantic to provide the most comprehensive spinal health care, all under one roof.  Furthermore, we continually hear from our patients (and believe it or not, from some who aren’t even patients) how they appreciate the convenience of the all under one roof model; providing them with a higher level of coordinated care between specialists. A few days ago I had a meeting with an outside business associate who had never been to our office. He said that from the moment he stepped off the elevator he was shocked at what VSI has to offer – and in his words, “all in one location.”  He recapped his experience living though back pain and receiving treatment and testing from various centers. He went into great detail about how he bounced from facility to facility (all while in a great deal of pain) across town getting his consultation, several physician appointments, x-rays, MRI, EMG, surgery, and then finally physical therapy.  I was exhausted just listening to his journey.  He realized that all of the care he needed, he would have received right here, under one roof. I was flattered as he referred to VSI as the “Mecca” of spinal health care!

I am grateful to be a part of an organization which strives to new heights to provide the best quality in spinal health care with the highest level of patient efficiency and convenience.

What aspects of the VSI experience have been most valuable to you?

“Reston Interfaith is so fortunate to have the continued support of the Virginia Spine Institute. Recently, they generously created Thanksgiving baskets that were given to local community members in need. Giving back runs all through The Virginia Spine Institute. They have supported Reston Interfaith by giving donations to our Back-to-School and Gifts for Kids drives, as well as providing volunteer support. In addition, the Virginia Spine Institute was recognized as a 2010 Best of Reston winner for their outstanding work in the community. This partnership has benefited both of our organizations and ultimately helps many financially challenged people to be able to provide for themselves and their families.” – Abby Kimble / Director of Communications and Outreach, Reston Interfaith

We are proud of our generous team for donating their time as well as purchased Thanksgiving feast ingredients to make the holiday for local families more enjoyable. The VSI team rallied to assemble 86 packages with seasonal contents (vegetables, potatoes, rice, biscuits, fruit, snacks, and desserts) for a Thanksgiving dinner celebration along with a gift card to purchase a turkey or ham to complete the meal. The spirit of giving displayed by the entire staff at VSI is an extension of the company’s core values of community leadership, caring, and teamwork.

Doing good is what seems best. Doing good also earns you respect. But more than that, it makes you feel good! Thank you to our generous coworkers for the food donations and dedication to helping others!

Reston Interfaith’s Thanksgiving Food Drive collected over 1,700 boxes of food this year. This means that over 700 families in need in our area were able to enjoy a healthy and complete Thanksgiving meal.