Virginia Spine Institute

VSI Blog

Tips

GET THAT MONKEY OFF YOUR BACK WITH 5 WORKPLACE ERGONOMICS TIPS

Do you find yourself  leaving work with headaches, back aches, sore shoulders and neck, or wrist pain? These common complaints are typically attributed to poor ergonomics in the workplace. Ergonomics is the science of blending the workstation with the worker in order to increase health and productivity and decrease work-related musculoskeletal disorders. In this post [...]


A SIMPLE PRESCRIPTION TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

What would you say if your doctor had one prescription that could help you have more energy, feel better, and increase the longevity of life? Look no further than exercise! The health benefits from regular exercise are well documented and hard to ignore. 7 BENEFITS OF EXERCISE: Control your weight Exercise helps to reach and [...]


HAPPY GARDEN WEEK, VIRGINIA! GREEN THUMBS, SAFE BACK TECHNIQUES BEFORE YOU HIT THE GARDEN!

As we approach the peak of springtime color here in Virginia, green thumbs are finally seeing the fruits of their labor! But for many of us gardeners, it does not stop here; we continue to maintain and enhance our beautiful landscapes. Many people have found that their gardens are further along than normal because of [...]


STRENGTHEN YOUR BONES AND SPINE WITH VITAMIN D

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin/hormone that is required for good health.  It has been shown that people with adequate Vitamin D levels have much stronger bones (avoiding osteoporosis), a lower incidence of some cancers (including breast, prostate, and colon), and a lower overall incidence of various ‘aches and pains.’ Vitamin D is obtained primarily [...]


TIPS TO SERVE UP A PAIN FREE GAME OF TENNIS!

Tennis is an excellent form of aerobic activity and has many health benefits. It is important, however, to play smart and have proper technique in order to protect your neck and back.  Tennis injuries may occur as the result of a combination of many factors including muscle fatigue, repetitive muscle contractions or overuse. Injuries are [...]


VSI KICKS OFF MILK (CALCIUM) MUSTACHE CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE BONE HEALTH

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 [...]


THE QUEST TO FIND THE WORKOUT THAT WORKS FOR YOU IN 2012!

My interest in understanding how the human body moves and functions inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. Through my many years of schooling and medical practice, I remain fascinated by how complex, yet effective, the human body is. I have also had an extensive interest in athletics and fitness throughout my life.  Maintaining [...]


DON’T LET YOUR WINTER WORKOUT HIBERNATE. FOUR USEFUL TIPS FOR A SAFE AND COMFORTABLE WORKOUT!

Well, it’s that time of year again. The holidays are long over, but those pesky extra pounds from indulging on turkey, stuffing, and an assortment of desserts have stuck around. Unfortunately, as the snow piles up (or in the case of this year, the threat of snow) and the temperature drops, so does our motivation [...]


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 [...]


Comments Off

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 [...]