woman swimming freestyle

Celebrating an Athlete Who Got ‘Back’ in Warrior Mode

Heather has been a life-long athlete, but when she first came to visit Dr. Good, she was experiencing debilitating pain, had been for years and she was frustrated.  “I was 22 years old when the pain started,” she told me. It began as a minor inconvenience, a nagging ache, but over time, it developed into something larger…

VSI Marks 30-Year Anniversary of Improving Lives

VSI Marks 30-Year Anniversary of Improving Lives

What were you doing in 1992? More importantly, how has your life transformed since then? In 1992, Dr. Thomas Schuler founded the VSI to create the first comprehensive spine center. Over the past 30 years, we have grown from a one-physician practice into an international destination for the best spine care. It’s incredible when you…

Dr. Bharara Receives 2022 ‘Top Doctor’ Award From Castle Connolly

Dr. Bharara Receives 2022 ‘Top Doctor’ Award From Castle Connolly

Congratulations to Director of Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Niteesh Bharara, for being awarded 2022 ‘Top Doctor’ by Castle Connolly. Physicians are awarded this prestigious honor through nominations from their peers, with over 50,000 physicians, hospital and healthcare executives involved. The Castle Connolly physician-led research team carefully reviews the credentials of every physician being considered for inclusion…

Detail of a woman therapist hands giving cupping treatment

What is Cupping? A Treatment for Sore Muscles

Cupping is an ancient form of holistic alternative medicine.  It is a treatment method that was initially  used to help treat internal diseases and structural problems.  Its popularity over the years has increased as people have seen celebrities and athletes “sporting” the common circular bruising pattern that occurs after a cupping session. 

close-up of a person using a pen to write

Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Spine Surgeon After Being Recommended Surgery

Being told you need spine surgery is one of those life-changing moments and can be a scary time for anyone. Your mind starts racing and you forget all of the important questions that you want to ask your spine surgeon before agreeing to this procedure. The good news is that I’ve heard it all with…

Man gripping his painful lower back with an x-ray of his spine visible

Dispelling a Common Myth About Spine Surgery

When people have a back injury, they’re often concerned they won’t ever get better. But I’m here to tell you that modern spinal healthcare is one of the great advances over the past decade. Whether it’s through robotic surgery, stem cell therapies or minimally invasive procedures, people are getting better faster, spending less time in…

I’m Considering an Artificial Disc Replacement, But Which Disc is Right for Me?

I’m Considering an Artificial Disc Replacement, But Which Disc is Right for Me?

I’m considering an artificial disc replacement, but which disc is right for me? Are you considering disc replacement surgery for your neck or back condition, but are unsure which artificial disc is right for you? There is a lot of information out there to help you in your research which can also be overwhelming. We…

What is Bertolotti Syndrome?

What is Bertolotti Syndrome?

Bertolotti Syndrome is when the bottom lumbar vertebra, also known as L5, grows extra bone that rubs against the sacrum, or the bottom part of the functional spine. This is a commonly misdiagnosed condition, largely because imaging doesn’t always tell the full picture.  Very commonly, people without back pain may have the imaging characteristics of…

Getting Back to Your Fitness Routine in the New Year

Getting Back to Your Fitness Routine in the New Year

You can’t get ‘back’ to your health and wellness goals if you have major back pain and more people have that now than ever. The pandemic has led to increased back and neck pain between the challenges of working from home, getting to the gym and handling increased stress. In our history of 30 years…