close up of man making medical decision
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How to Choose Between Disc Replacement and Spinal Fusion: A Patient Testimony

Discovering Disc Replacement: Key Takeaways What should you do if you’ve been told you need a spinal fusion? This episode of the Get Back To Your Life® podcast follows Nick, a patient from Chicago and lifelong athlete who spent more than half his life managing back pain that kept returning in cycles of endless pain….

disc replacement recovery story
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Disc Replacement After Years of Chronic Back Pain: Rachel’s Story

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…

life after spine surgery
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What Does Spinal Fusion Recovery Look Like?

Lizette was an athlete, a mom, and an outdoors lover whose life changed when unpredictable, stabbing back pain made even lifting her baby impossible. For years, she chased relief that never lasted until she found a team that focused on recovery, not just the next procedure. “I felt like when I got to VSI and…

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…

cheerleader background

When Back Pain is Nothing to ‘Cheer’ About

When Maggie was a junior in high school, the competitive cheerleader suddenly found herself in pain so excruciating, it felt like her leg was on fire. The active tumbler couldn’t sit for more than 20 minutes, sleep, bend, easily walk or cheer. She was forced to give up her sport for several months while she…

young mom and 3 year old daughter

Young Mom’s Journey to Overcoming Back Pain without Surgery

Kathryn is only 27 years old, but in many ways – she had already lived a lifetime before she found regenerative medicine and PRP therapy. In fact – she’s dealt with debilitating back and hip pain for most of her life. It started when she was 13 and fell on the ice. Kathryn remembers the…

chris and his sons on the mountain

From Back Pain to Snowboarding: Hybrid Spine Surgery Success

Chris came to spine surgeon Dr. Christopher Good in severe pain, eventually leading Chris to hybrid spine surgery, which is a type of surgery that combines spinal fusion and artificial disc replacement. Throughout his journey and recovery, his story is a true testament to his dedication and perseverance as a father. As an active person,…

patient traveling the world after surgery
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Patient Testimonial: Traveling Without Chronic Back Pain

For many people, travel is a source of excitement — exploring new destinations, making memories with loved ones, or simply stepping away from everyday life. But for those suffering from chronic back pain, the idea of long flights, road trips, or even carrying a suitcase can turn that excitement into anxiety. The good news? There…

chris cline hiking
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Disc Replacement & Fusion: The Ultimate Back Pain Solution

Half of the global workforce spends at least 75% of their time standing. This includes professions like educators, hospitality workers, first responders, and military personnel. For people like Chris, a middle school principal, this reality can lead to debilitating back pain, especially given the high activity levels required in his profession. Finding Back Pain Relief…