What does chronic back pain really cost? For Rachel, a 35-year-old teacher and mother of two from Maryland, the price was 20 years of her life spent watching from the sidelines. Twenty years of declining invitations, making excuses, and slowly shrinking her world to fit around constant pain. Her symptoms began as a teenager and…
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…
One of the most common conditions we see when diagnosing patients at VSI is lumbar spinal stenosis. This common condition can cause people to suffer with constant back pain, or with pain and weakness that radiates from the lower back down the legs. Many of my patients’ first question when being told they have lumbar…
What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis? The spinal canal is the hollow passage formed by the spine, through which the spinal cord travels. Lumbar spinal stenosis refers to the portion of the spinal cord in the lower spine (lumbar region) being pinched in the canal (stenosis). What Are the Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis? When lumbar spinal stenosis…
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…
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…
