Best Spine Treatment Plan: Key Takeaways What is the best plan for back pain? Back and neck pain is extremely personal. Two people can have the “same” MRI finding, but completely different symptoms, goals, and timelines, so the best treatment plan is never one-size-fits-all. At VSI, the plan is built by matching your personal symptoms,…
Now that you’ve shoveled your car out from two feet of snow {and then did it again after the snow plow came through}, let’s take a moment to assess the damage. Did you wake up this morning with sore arms and legs from lifting the heavy snow and ice? What about your lower back –…
Winter Back Pain and Snow Shoveling: Quick Facts Cold weather can make back pain and stiffness more noticeable because muscles tighten in lower temperatures and many people move less during the winter. As circulation and flexibility drop, your spine and supporting muscles may not respond as well to everyday demands, especially sudden tasks like shoveling…
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…
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’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…
Breakthrough technique by VSI® Spine Surgeon Dr. Christopher Good sets a new global standard for precision bone removal and rapid recovery FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RESTON, VA – November 25, 2025 – VSI® Spine Surgeon Dr. Christopher Good has achieved a historic milestone in robotic spine surgery, performing the world’s first minimally invasive robotic Bertolotti’s resection…
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, Khadija…
