Key Takeaways A love of basketball runs deep. Once you’ve played the game, it’s hard to give it up. That’s why so many adults are part of recreational basketball leagues – long after they’ve stopped competing as student athletes. But beware! Americans are more likely to injure themselves playing basketball than any other sport. For…
Key Takeaways Back pain impacts 80% of adults in the U.S. at some point in their lives, according to NIH. In most cases, it develops due to muscle strain, disc-related issues, arthritis, or age-related changes in the spine. While some back pain improves with rest and conservative care, persistent or worsening symptoms may signal an…
If you are dealing with back pain, shoulder pain, or knee pain, one of the first questions that often comes up is: do I need an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI? It is a fair question, and it can feel confusing when each test sounds important but no one has explained the difference between these…
Chronic Back Pain Treatment: Key Takeaways If your back pain has lasted more than three months, you are likely dealing with chronic back pain. Unlike short-term soreness that improves with rest, chronic lower back pain often lingers and can begin to interfere with daily activities, sleep, and overall quality of life. The good news is…
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…
