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’s article on coffee hacks for focus and energy, Dr. Akkerman’s science-backed recommendations reveal how understanding your body’s natural…
If you’ve tried everything for headache relief with no lasting results, you’re not alone. Headaches affect an astonishing 40% of the global population, impacting more than 3 billion people worldwide. Yet despite being the most common form of pain, headaches remain one of the most misunderstood and dismissed health conditions. Dr. Ella Akkerman, a board-certified…
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…
Running offers incredible benefits for women, from cardiovascular health and stress relief to building strength and confidence. However, the unique anatomical and hormonal factors women face throughout different life stages require specialized knowledge for injury prevention, management, and safe training progression. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, expecting a baby, or returning to running postpartum, Kelly…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RESTON, VA – November 7, 2025 – VSI® Spine Surgeon, Dr. Ehsan Jazini, has achieved a monumental milestone in motion preservation spine surgery, performing the East Coast’s first two-level lumbar disc replacement surgery combined with the TOPS™ (Total Posterior Spine) System. This marks the first surgery of its kind on the East…
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…
Lumbar Disc Replacement: Quick Facts When It’s Considered: Disc replacement surgery is considered after a thorough evaluation and a solid trial of conservative care such as physical therapy, medications, and regenerative medicine options when pain still limits daily life and imaging confirms your symptoms. The goal is to replace the painful lumbar disc to restore…
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…
The twice-yearly ritual of adjusting our clocks may seem like a minor inconvenience, but for your brain, it’s anything but trivial. When Daylight Saving Time arrives, VSI neurologist Dr. Ella Akkerman says our bodies face a surprising challenge that extends far beyond simply feeling groggy on Monday morning. Understanding how these time shifts affect your…
VSI is proud to congratulate Dr. Niteesh Bharara, Dr. Christopher Good, Dr. Colin Haines, and Dr. Ehsan Jazini on being named Top Doctors of 2025 by Washingtonian Magazine. This prestigious annual recognition honors the region’s most trusted and respected physicians, chosen through peer nomination by fellow leading physicians across the DC Metro area. This is…
