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, Kelly…
The twice-yearly ritual of adjusting our clocks may seem like a minor inconvenience, but for your brain, it’s anything but trivial. When Daylight Saving Time arrives, VSI neurologist Dr. Ella Akkerman says our bodies face a surprising challenge that extends far beyond simply feeling groggy on Monday morning. Understanding how these time shifts affect your…
Summer Heat and Back Pain: Quick Facts Why It Flares: Heat and humidity promote dehydration and inflammation, sensitize nerves, and compound overuse from summer activities and travel; hot nights can also reduce sleep quality and pain tolerance.Who’s Most Affected: People with disc degeneration, sciatica, spinal stenosis, or facet arthritis; outdoor workers/athletes; pregnant individuals; and anyone…
What if the secret to healing faster was already in the air you breathe? In a special on-location episode of the Get Back to Your Life® Podcast, Dr. Christopher Good, Spine Surgeon and President at VSI, reveals one of the latest breakthroughs in spine surgery recovery: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. This innovative treatment is now being…
The Recovery Revolution™ combines advanced surgery, holistic therapies, and proven protocols, validated in a 50,000-patient study, to deliver more effective and efficient recovery. RESTON, VIRGINIA – October 16, 2025 – VSI® is proud to introduce The Recovery Revolution™, a patient-first, data-driven model that reimagines what recovery should look like before, during, and after spine surgery….
Office Chair & Back Pain: Quick Facts If you spend most of your workday sitting, your office chair is more than just a piece of furniture, it’s a crucial part of your spinal health. As spine surgeon Dr. Ehsan Jazini of VSI explains to Forbes in a recent feature, “A poorly designed office chair encourages…
