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VSI® | Spine Solutions

5 days ago

Answering Common EMG Questions, part #2:

“My EMG is normal…so why am I still in pain?”

Can you still have nerve pain or symptoms if your EMG results are normal?

☝️It’s another common concern Dr. Mehta hears from patients after an EMG or nerve conduction study.

A test that shows no significant nerve damage does NOT mean your pain, numbness, or tingling isn’t real. A nerve can still be irritated—sometimes from something like a pinched nerve or bulging disc—without having significant nerve damage.

And that distinction is important. A normal EMG can actually be good news because it helps us better understand what may—and may not—be causing your symptoms.

Have an EMG or Nerve Conduction Study question you’d like me to answer next? Leave a comment and it just might be featured in part 3.

#EMG #NerveConductionStudy #NervePain #PinchedNerve #Numbness #Tingling #AskTheDoctor

Can you still have nerve pain or symptoms if your EMG results are ‘normal’? Dr. Yash Mehta explains.

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VSI® | Spine Solutions

1 weeks ago

Pickleball may seem like an easy sport to pick up and start playing, but many people find out the hard way: It's not always easy on the body!

In honor of National Pickleball Day in August 2026, VSI spine surgeon and recreational pickleball player Dr. Colin Haines joined FOX 5 DC Weekend Live to explain why pickleball injuries will creep up on you and what players can do to protect their backs and stay on the court.

From repetitive bending and twisting to playing without a proper warm-up, Dr. Haines breaks down some of the movements that can put added stress on the spine. He also shares practical injury-prevention tips players of all ages can use before and during a match.

In this interview, Dr. Haines discusses:
- Why pickleball can be more physically demanding than it looks
- Common pickleball injuries, including lower back pain and disc injuries
- His 5/5 warm-up rule for preparing your body to play
- Stretches for the back, hips, and hamstrings
- Why tight hips and hamstrings can make your back work harder
- How proper court shoes can help prevent injury
- How to choose the right pickleball paddle grip
- Why bending and twisting to pick up the ball can strain your spine
- When pain, numbness, or tingling should be evaluated by a specialist

As Dr. Haines explains, the key is to treat pickleball like a real sport. Warming up, using the right equipment, listening to your body, and addressing persistent pain early can help you keep playing the sport you love.

If back pain or an injury is keeping you off the court, the specialists at VSI offer comprehensive treatment options designed to identify the source of your pain and help you get back to the activities that matter most to you. Learn more about VSI: VSIspine.com

For more tips, follow Dr. Haines on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.colin_haines/
Learn more about how to keep pain out of your pickleball game: https://www.spinemd.com/resources/how-to-keep-pain-out-of-your-pickleball-game/

#Pickleball #PickleballInjuries #BackPain #SpineHealth #PickleballTips #InjuryPrevention #SportsMedicine

Pickleball Injuries: How to Protect Your Back | Spine Surgeon Dr. Colin Haines on FOX 5 DC

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VSI® | Spine Solutions

2 weeks ago

Does taking Gabapentin or Lyrica affect EMG results?

☝️It’s one of the most common questions Dr. Mehta gets before an EMG or nerve conduction study.

While these medications can help reduce nerve pain, they don’t hide the overall health of your nerves. If there’s nerve damage or a problem coming from your neck, low back, or elsewhere, an EMG is still designed to detect it.

Have a question you’d like me to answer next? Leave a comment and it just might be featured in part 2.

#EMG #nerveconductionstudy #lyrica #gabapentin #askthedoctor

Does taking Gabapentin or Lyrica affect EMG results? Listen to find out.

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VSI® | Spine Solutions

3 weeks ago

Bertolotti Syndrome nearly ended tennis player Dilhan's career. Then he traveled across the world to Dr. Colin Haines of VSI.

Once the UK's #1 ranked junior player, Dilhan developed severe lower back pain and nerve pain that left him unable to stand for more than five minutes. After nearly two years searching across three continents for answers, he found Dr. Haines at VSI and finally got a diagnosis: Bertolotti Syndrome, a spine condition that's frequently mistaken for other types of back pain and often missed in young athletes. Dr. Haines treated Dilhan with a Bertolotti's syndrome surgery, a Bertolotti resection combined with PRP injections, and walks through what that recovery looked like.

Nearly a year post-surgery during the timing of the Mubadala DC Open, Dilhan is training five days a week again. This conversation covers what Bertolotti Syndrome is, why athlete back pain is so often misdiagnosed, and what a real recovery from spine surgery looks like, from the first few minutes of walking to a full return to competitive tennis.

Dr. Haines and the team at VSI in Reston, VA treat complex and often overlooked spine conditions for patients throughout Northern Virginia, the DC metro area, and, in Dilhan's case, internationally.

If lower back pain or nerve pain has you searching for answers without a clear diagnosis, schedule a consultation with VSI: https://www.spinemd.com/contact-us/schedule-appointment/. You can also read more about Bertolotti's resection here: https://www.spinemd.com/treatment/bertolotti-resection/

Follow Dilhan's recovery on Instagram: @dilhanwasantha | TikTok @dilhanwasanthatennis
Follow Dr. Haines on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.colin_haines/
Follow VSI on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vsi_spine/
➡️ VSIspine.com

#BertolottiSyndrome #spinesurgerysuccess #backpainrelief #VSISpine #tennisinjuryrecovery

Bertolotti Syndrome Surgery: A Tennis Player's Comeback | Fox5 News

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VSI® | Spine Solutions

3 weeks ago

Could a piece of extra bone in your lower spine be the real reason your back pain won't go away?

In this video, VSI spine surgeon Dr. Colin Haines breaks down a real patient case involving Bertolotti syndrome, a condition that's frequently missed by spine specialists.

Libbi, an active and fit patient, had dealt with low back pain for years. Using her actual X-rays, Dr. Haines shows how an extra piece of bone at the L5-S1 level was rubbing against the sacrum, creating a bone-on-bone Bertolotti joint. But her case didn't stop there because that level had essentially stiffened and fused itself, the levels above it were forced to move more than they should, leading to disc degeneration at L4-5 and a spondylolisthesis (slippage) at L3-4.

Listen to Libbi's Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilstDeszUos

Dr. Haines explains how this "domino effect" is common with Bertolotti syndrome, and why the the discs above and the SI joints below often become the real source of ongoing pain. For Libbi, treatment ultimately meant a multi-level spinal fusion, and she's now living pain-free. Dr. Haines also discusses resection, a less invasive alternative that can sometimes be used when Bertolotti syndrome is caught earlier, before the surrounding levels break down.

If you've been living with unexplained low back pain, or you've been told your case is complicated, this video shows why an accurate diagnosis — and catching problems early — makes all the difference.

Key Points
0:00 – What Is Bertolotti Syndrome?
0:38 – How the Extra Bertolotti Bone Causes Pain
1:01 – Bertolotti Patient Case Study and X-Ray Review
2:23 – What is Spondylolisthesis?
2:28 – The Domino Effect on Neighboring Spine Levels (L4-5 and SI Joint)
2:55 – Post Op X-Rays: Multi-Level Fusion
4:19 – Recovery after Spinal Fusion: Patient Testimony
4:43 – When to See a Bertolotti Expert

Key Takeaways:
✔ Bertolotti syndrome is often missed, even by spine specialists
✔ Untreated, it can cause breakdown at the levels above and below it
✔ Catching it early may mean a minimally invasive procedure instead of a fusion
✔ You don't have to live with this kind of pain — effective treatments exist

To learn more about Bertolotti syndrome and treatment options, visit https://www.spinemd.com/conditions/bertolottis-syndrome/
Learn more about Dr. Colin Haines here: https://www.spinemd.com/medical_team/dr-colin-haines/
Read about Libbi's journey to VSI: https://www.spinemd.com/resources/podcasts/why-bertolotti-syndrome-is-missed/

Common FAQs about Bertolotti Syndrome

What is Bertolotti syndrome?
Bertolotti syndrome is a condition where an extra or abnormal bone segment forms at the base of the spine (typically at L5-S1), causing that bone to rub against the sacrum and leading to lower back pain.

What are common symptoms of Bertolotti syndrome?

- Chronic low back pain, often on one side
- Pain that worsens with activity or twisting
- Pain that spreads to the hip or SI joint area
- Stiffness at the lower spine

What treatment options are available for Bertolotti syndrome?
Treatment options can include physical therapy, targeted injections, and, when needed, surgical options such as resection of the extra bone or spinal fusion for more advanced cases.

#BertolottiSyndrome #BackPainRelief #SpineSurgery #LowBackPain #SpineHealth #BertolottiResection

Why Does Your Back Pain Keep Coming Back? A Bertolotti Syndrome Case Study

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VSI® | Spine Solutions

3 weeks ago

VSI® Surgeons Perform World’s First Spine Surgery with Stealth AXiS™ Autopilot Robotic System

Drs. Christopher Good, Colin Haines, and Ehsan Jazini lead groundbreaking spine surgery, using Medtronic's FDA-cleared Stealth AXiS™ Autopilot robotic system.

This next-generation platform combines AI-powered surgical planning, navigation, real-time segmental tracking, and robotic guidance into a single system, helping surgeons execute complex procedures with greater precision and confidence.

In this behind-the-scenes look, hear directly from Dr. Christopher Good as he explains how this groundbreaking technology is shaping the future of spine surgery and helping patients get back to the lives they love.

To learn more about this advanced, minimally invasive spine surgery at VSI, visit https://www.spinemd.com/resources/blog/worlds-first-spine-surgery-with-stealth-axis-autopilot/

Inside the World’s First Stealth AXiS™ Autopilot Spine Surgery | Explained by Dr. Good

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VSI® | Spine Solutions

4 weeks ago

For years, Libbi Logan planned her life around her back pain.

Could she make it to her son's basketball game? Would a road trip result in days of recovery? Was playing tennis worth the pain that would follow?

Like so many people living with chronic back pain, every decision became a calculation.

After years of searching for answers, trying countless treatments, and being told there were few options left, Libbi eventually found a Facebook community of patients with Bertolotti's Syndrome. That search ultimately led her to spine surgeon Dr. Colin Haines at VSI, who asked her a question that changed everything:

"What do you want your life to look like?"

After a comprehensive evaluation, including advanced diagnostics that uncovered the true source of her pain, Dr. Haines developed a surgical plan tailored to Libbi’s unique anatomy.

Today, Libbi is back on the tennis court, traveling internationally, and living the life she thought she had lost.
Just six months after surgery with at VSI, Libby:
✔ Played tennis for the first time in over three years
✔ Walked over 15,000 steps a day through Paris (with zero back pain!)
✔ Flew alone, drove 10 hours, stood on a wobbling fishing boat
✔ Is showing up, fully present, for her son's senior year of high school
If you've been told there's nothing more that can be done, that your imaging looks "normal," or you're still searching for answers, Libby's story is a reminder that oftentimes the right diagnosis changes everything.

Hear from Spine Surgeon, Dr. Colin Haines, as he explains the medical analysis behind Libbi's recovery story: https://youtu.be/cS_5TiiB2O4

Read about Libbi's journey to VSI: https://www.spinemd.com/resources/podcasts/why-bertolotti-syndrome-is-missed/

VSI® | Spine Solutions specializes in diagnosing and treating complex spine conditions, including Bertolotti's Syndrome and transitional anatomy. If you're still searching for answers, you don't have to stop here.

🔗 Schedule a consultation: https://www.spinemd.com/contact-us/schedule-appointment/
🔗 Learn more about Bertolotti's Syndrome: https://www.spinemd.com/conditions/bertolottis-syndrome/

Subscribe for more patient stories, spine education, and expert insights from VSI®

#Bertolottisyndrome #bertolottissyndrome #lowerbackpain #spinesurgerysuccess #spinesurgery

When Back Pain Has a Name: Solving Bertolotti Syndrome | Epiosde 91

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VSI® | Spine Solutions

1 months ago

Summer is a popular season for vacations, yard work, outdoor sports, and family activities, BUT it's also one of the common times of year for muscle strains, back pain, and sports injuries.

In this segment, Dr. Yash Mehta, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, joins Great Day Washington to break down why so many people get injured during the summer months, and shares simple strategies to help you stay active without pain.

As Dr. Mehta explains, many people become "weekend warriors", especially following the colder months — spending the workweek sitting at a desk before suddenly asking their bodies to handle hours of yard work, hiking, biking, pickleball, or home improvement projects. Without proper preparation, that sudden increase in activity can put unnecessary stress on your muscles, joints, spine, and cardiovascular system.

In this interview, Dr. Mehta shares:
- The "weekend warrior" mistake that catches many people off guard
- Why everyday activities like yard work should be treated like a workout
- Simple warm up exercises before gardening, moving the lawn, or outdoor activities
- More tips to reduce your risk of injury so you can stay active all summer long (and beyond)

Key Notes:
0:00- Why Injuries Increase During the Summer
0:41 - The "Weekend Warrior" Effect
1:30 - Why Warming Up Is Important
2:03 - Simple Warm-Up Exercises
2:25 - How Yard Work Strains the Body
2:54 - Repetitive Movements & Back Pain
4:09 - Benefits of Staying Hydrated
4:25 - Electrolytes & Recovery

Learn more about Dr. Mehta: https://www.spinemd.com/medical_team/dr-yash-mehta/
Follow Dr. Mehta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mehta_physiatrist/

To learn more about VSI®, visit us at www.vsispine.com

#backpain #sportsmedicine #injuryprevention #summerinjuries #yardwork #weekendwarrior #hydration #spinehealth #backpainrelief #VSI #WUSA9

Summer Injuries Are Spiking — Here's the "Weekend Warrior" Mistake to Avoid | Dr. Yash Mehta

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VSI® | Spine Solutions

2 months ago

VSI® Surgeons Perform World’s First Spine Surgery with Stealth AXiS™ Autopilot Robotic System

Drs. Christopher Good, Colin Haines, and Ehsan Jazini lead groundbreaking spine surgery, using Medtronic's FDA-cleared Stealth AXiS™ Autopilot robotic system.

Key Takeaways: New Robotic Spine Surgery System
- VSI surgeons performed the first spine surgery in the world using the Stealth AXiS™ Autopilot robotic system.
- The platform combines AI-powered planning, navigation, segmental tracking, and robotics into one system.
- The procedure was tailored to a patient with longstanding back pain after conservative treatments did not provide lasting relief.
- This milestone builds on VSI’s history of robotic and augmented reality surgical firsts in spine care.

This next-generation platform combines AI-powered surgical planning, navigation, real-time segmental tracking, and robotic guidance into a single system, helping surgeons execute complex procedures with greater precision and confidence.

In this behind-the-scenes look, hear directly from Dr. Christopher Good as he explains how this groundbreaking technology is shaping the future of spine surgery and helping patients get back to the lives they love.

A History of Firsts:
This milestone adds to VSI's growing record of global surgical firsts, including minimally invasive robotic Bertolotti's resection surgery, spine surgery using the Mazor X™ Stealth Edition robotic guidance system, combined endoscopic and robot-guided spine surgery, and multiple augmented reality (AR) firsts in laminectomy, hybrid fusion, and custom 3D-printed implant procedures. In 2019, Dr. Good performed the world's first surgery using the Stealth AXiS's predecessor system, Mazor X™ Stealth Edition.

To learn more about this advanced, minimally invasive spine surgery at VSI, visit https://www.spinemd.com/resources/blog/worlds-first-spine-surgery-with-stealth-axis-autopilot/

Learn about Dr. Good: https://www.spinemd.com/medical_team/dr-christopher-good/
Learn about Dr. Haines: https://www.spinemd.com/medical_team/dr-colin-haines/
Learn about Dr. Jazini: https://www.spinemd.com/medical_team/dr-ehsan-jazini/

Inside the World’s First Stealth AXiS™ Autopilot Spine Surgery | Explained by Dr. Good

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