Detail of a woman therapist hands giving cupping treatment

The 411 on Cupping as 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…

The Omicron Symptom That Should Not be Ignored: Lower Back Pain

The Omicron Symptom That Should Not be Ignored: Lower Back Pain

 As seen on Medium: Lower back pain has been identified as one of the primary symptoms of the Omicron variant. Experts analyzing new data out of the US, UK, and South Africa say people are experiencing several new symptoms with the Covid variant, including lower back pain. To make matters worse, many people are…

Spine Surgeon Dr. Haines Discusses Latest Covid-19 Variant Symptom: Back Pain

Spine Surgeon Dr. Haines Discusses Latest Covid-19 Variant Symptom: Back Pain

Throughout the pandemic, more and more people have been stricken with back and neck pain. That same increase seems to be happening again with the rise in the Omicron variant. While the true scientific reasons are not exactly known, there are many potential causes. In my opinion, this is largely due to the work-from-home economy…

Operating room with 2 surgeons

National & International Surgical Recognitions for VSI

VSI is leading the evolution of modern spine surgery by pioneering game-changing treatments that have helped millions of patients around the world. We are proud to have earned national and international recognition for our surgical firsts, as our spine surgeons use state-of-the-art technology and modern, minimally-invasive surgical techniques to improve the lives of their patients.  Through our surgeons’…