kid holding yellow backpack

Kids’ Backpacks: How Much Is Too Much Weight?

Why Backpack Weight Matters for Kids’ Spine Health No matter how expensive or well-designed the backpack is, carrying a heavy load repeatedly every day could very well be putting your child’s spine health at risk. If you’ve noticed your child struggling to put on or take off their backpack before, it’s probably too heavy! As…

dr haines and bertolotti syndrome patient

A Decade of Pain and Medical Dismissal: How Jakki Found Bertolotti Relief

Jakki was just 13 years old when she first experienced debilitating back pain so intense it rendered her unable to move, laugh, or even speak. It would come in waves, reappearing every couple of years, stealing weeks of her young life each time. Despite consulting over ten specialists, including chiropractors, acupuncturists, and physical therapists, her…

woman giving thumbs up in a hospital bed
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Medical Gaslighting: A Woman’s Fight to Be Heard and Treated for Her Pain

You can find more about Jakki’s story, featured on WebMD.com. May is Women’s Health Month, a time to raise awareness about women’s health issues and celebrate the strength and resilience of women. There isn’t a better example of this strength than the story of a VSI patient named Jakki, and how she overcame her Bertolotti…

young woman breaking free from bertolotti syndrome pain
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The Bertolotti Breakthrough: From Suffering to Solution

Bertolotti syndrome is a significantly under-recognized spine condition that can lead to debilitating lower back and leg symptoms. Despite its impact, it is frequently misdiagnosed or dismissed entirely. In this powerful episode of the Get Back to Your Life® podcast, spine surgeon and Bertolotti syndrome expert Dr. Colin Haines and his patient Janel share an…

best spine surgeons of dmv
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VSI Doctors Named “Best Spine Surgeons” in DC Magazine’s Best of City 2025

VSI is proud to announce that our three renowned spine surgeons, Dr. Christopher Good, Dr. Colin Haines, and Dr. Ehsan Jazini, have been honored as the “Best Spine Surgeons” in DC Magazine’s prestigious Best of City 2025 awards. This recognition highlights our commitment to delivering life‑changing, cutting‑edge spine care to patients across Washington  DC, Northern…

man touching his head with pain insomnia

Painsomnia: The Link Between Pain and Sleep Disruption

When the lights go out and the world quiets down, many people look forward to a restful night’s sleep. But for those living with chronic pain, nighttime can be a battleground, where rest is replaced with discomfort. This frustrating phenomenon is known as painsomnia, and it affects millions. Dr. Thomas Nguyen, as featured in Everyday…

working with a patient with scoliosis from analysis to exercise

How Can Physical Therapy Help Scoliosis?

Scoliosis, a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, affects millions of people of all ages. While mild cases may go unnoticed, more pronounced curves can cause pain, postural issues, and limitations in movement. Thankfully, physical therapy offers a powerful, non-invasive solution to manage scoliosis and improve overall function, especially when using specialized…