What does chronic back pain really cost? For Rachel, a 35-year-old teacher and mother of two from Maryland, the price was 20 years of her life spent watching from the sidelines. Twenty years of declining invitations, making excuses, and slowly shrinking her world to fit around constant pain. Her symptoms began as a teenager and…
One of the most common conditions we see when diagnosing patients at VSI is lumbar spinal stenosis. This common condition can cause people to suffer with constant back pain, or with pain and weakness that radiates from the lower back down the legs. Many of my patients’ first question when being told they have lumbar…
What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis? The spinal canal is the hollow passage formed by the spine, through which the spinal cord travels. Lumbar spinal stenosis refers to the portion of the spinal cord in the lower spine (lumbar region) being pinched in the canal (stenosis). What Are the Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis? When lumbar spinal stenosis…
Up to 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives. While occasional soreness after a long day or tough workout can be normal, certain symptoms mean it is time to see a spine specialist. Recognizing these red flags early can help you protect your long-term spine health and avoid serious…
Disc Replacement: Quick Facts When It’s Considered: Disc replacement is considered after a careful evaluation and a solid trial of conservative care such as physical therapy, medications, and regenerative options when neck, arm, or back pain still limits daily life and imaging confirms the source. The goal is to replace the painful cervical disc to…
Quick Facts: Symptoms of pain or tingling in the shoulder, arm, and/or hand are very common in many of the patients we care for at VSI. There may be several reasons for these symptoms. 4 Common Reasons for Arm Pain or Tingling Accurately diagnosing the cause of your arm pain is the first step to finding…
Sciatica Quick Facts As an interdisciplinary spine-specialized practice, we are fortunate to be able to offer our patients in-house nonsurgical care to often begin their treatment. One of the most effective nonsurgical methods is spine-specialized physical therapy. As the only spine-specialized physical therapy practice in the Metro-DC area, we not only serve our own patients…
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach to improving vestibular function and reducing symptoms related to balance and dizziness disorders. While it can require a significant investment of time and effort, many people find that it is an effective way to regain their quality of life and return to their normal activities.
Stem Cell Therapy Quick Facts: Stem cell therapy has become more mainstream and provides people with an alternative to surgery with minimal downtime. In fact, celebrities and athletes alike are sharing their personal experiences of overcoming pain and injury with this beneficial treatment. Cristiano Ronaldo, Max Scherzer, Charlie Sheen, and even Madonna have all had…
Summer Heat and Back Pain: Quick Facts Why It Flares: Heat and humidity promote dehydration and inflammation, sensitize nerves, and compound overuse from summer activities and travel; hot nights can also reduce sleep quality and pain tolerance.Who’s Most Affected: People with disc degeneration, sciatica, spinal stenosis, or facet arthritis; outdoor workers/athletes; pregnant individuals; and anyone…
