closeup hands of woman touching her back pain in nature background

Reducing Back Pain During Perimenopause

Perimenopause isn’t just hot flashes and mood swings. Much how your period can cause back pain, fluctuating hormones can cause aches and even migraines. Declining estrogen affects bones, discs, muscles, and even how the brain processes pain, making back pain and neck pain more common and often more intense. At VSI, our specialists translate cutting-edge…

close up of depressed man in pain
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When Stress Literally Hurts: The Mind-Body Connection

In this special Mental Health Awareness Month episode of the VSI Get Back to Your Life® podcast, two VSI physicians share a compelling discussion on the deep connection between emotional well-being and physical pain. Dr. Ella Akkerman, a neurologist at VSI, brings her expertise in the brain and mental health to this conversation while Dr….

female runner tying her shoes preparing for a jog

Dr. Mehta Featured In AP News: Best Walking Shoes For Women

In a feature during Women’s Health Month, AP News asked Dr. Yash Mehta, Interventional Spine & Sports Medicine doctor at VSI, tips on how to find the best walking shoes for women. Here are some key takeaways: Support & Comfort Are Key The goal of a good walking shoe is to provide support and comfort….

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Travel Tips to Avoid Back Pain on Spring Break

Traveling to exciting destinations for spring break should be a relaxing experience, not a painful one. However, long flights and road trips can quickly turn into a backache if you’re not careful. Airplane seats often lack proper lumbar support and promote a slouched, “C” shaped posture that can put stress on your spine. Long hours…

anchors and neurologist at fox5
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As Seen on Fox5 DC: Neurologist’s Tips to Prevent Stress-Related Pain

We often view stress as a mental and emotional burden, but it can also manifest physically in the form of pain. From migraines and jaw pain to muscle tightness, neck and back pain, chronic tension, and fatigue, the link between stress and physical pain is stronger than most realize. April is National Stress Awareness Month,…

low back (lumbar) pain
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Resolving Back Pain: Quick Fixes vs. Lasting Relief

Lower back pain is something most of us encounter at some point, and unfortunately, many of us find ourselves trapped in an endless loop of temporary fixes. From massage and muscle relaxants to acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments, the options seem endless. But do these treatments truly offer lasting relief? In this episode of the Get…

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How Inflammation Causes Headaches | What You Can Do About It

When it comes to chronic and painful headaches and migraines, there isn’t one easy fix that works for everyone. Triggers are often very individualized and based on a variety of things including genetics, stress, sleep, caffeine, and a whole host of other environmental and lifestyle factors. That said, there is one larger overarching topic that…