Key Takeaways: Disc Replacement vs. Fusion Surgery What Is the Difference Between Disc Replacement and Fusion Surgery? Both artificial disc replacement (ADR) and spinal fusion are proven surgical solutions for spine pain, but they differ in approach. Artificial disc replacement replaces a damaged disc with an artificial one to preserve natural motion, whereas spinal fusion…
Northern Virginia Magazine Top Doctors: Quick Facts Who are the Top Doctors in Virginia? We are honored that Northern Virginia Magazine recognized VSI physicians as 2026 Top Doctors. This year’s honorees include Dr. Ella Akkerman, Dr. Niteesh Bharara, Dr. Christopher Good, Dr. Colin Haines, Dr. Ehsan Jazini, Dr. Yash Mehta, and Dr. Thomas Nguyen. Each…
Winter Back Pain and Snow Shoveling: Quick Facts Cold weather can make back pain and stiffness more noticeable because muscles tighten in lower temperatures and many people move less during the winter. As circulation and flexibility drop, your spine and supporting muscles may not respond as well to everyday demands, especially sudden tasks like shoveling…
Excellence in spine surgery and sports medicine requires more than technical skill—it demands innovation, peer respect, and an unwavering commitment to patient outcomes. That’s why we’re thrilled to share that Dr. Niteesh Bharara, Dr. Christopher Good, and Dr. Colin Haines have once again earned Castle Connolly Top Doctor honors for 2026. This achievement places them…
Breakthrough technique by VSI Spine Surgeon Dr. Colin Haines advances a new global standard for precision bone removal and rapid patient recovery Read Official Press Release RESTON, VA — January 20, 2025 — In a historic breakthrough for spine surgery, Dr. Colin Haines, a leading minimally invasive spine surgeon at VSI, has successfully performed the…
The stretch between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can be joyful, but it is also uniquely demanding on the body. Routines change, sleep becomes inconsistent, stress rises, and holiday favorites often mean more sugar and alcohol than usual. For many people, that combination creates a perfect storm that shows up as headaches, fatigue, brain fog, muscle…
Spinal Stenosis: Endoscopic Treatment Overview Revolutionizing Spinal Stenosis Treatment with Endoscopic Spine Surgery Spinal stenosis is a common spinal condition that debilitates millions of people, often leading to chronic neck or back pain, numbness extending down the arms or legs, and can lead to challenges with daily activities. For many, the thought of invasive surgery or long-term…
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a medical condition that can cause significant discomfort and impact daily life. We’ll break down what lumbar spinal stenosis is, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options, providing a comprehensive guide for those seeking to understand this condition better. What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis? The term stenosis means a narrowing of space,…
VSI President Dr. Christopher Good discusses groundbreaking research and The Recovery Revolution™ on Fox 5 DC Morning News. For the 1.6 million Americans who undergo spine surgery each year, the operating room is only the beginning of the journey. What happens after surgery, the recovery phase that determines whether patients return to active, pain-free lives,…
When VSI neurologist Dr. Ella Akkerman shared her expert insights on caffeine timing with Parade.com, thousands of readers discovered that the timing of their morning coffee matters just as much as the coffee itself. Featured in Parade on coffee hacks for focus and energy and WIRED on how to optimize your caffeine intake, Dr. Akkerman’s…
