Pillows and Back Pain: Quick Facts Your Pillow Materials Matter Good alignment of your spine is just as important when you’re lying down as it is when you’re standing up. So if you suffer from back pain, the first thing to consider when lying down is if you have enough support. Having the right pillow…
Weighted vests have taken social media by storm, with fitness enthusiasts everywhere claiming they improve posture, strengthen your back, maintain bone density, and build muscle. But does this trending fitness accessory actually deliver on its promises? Dr. Colin Haines, a spine surgeon at VSI, recently joined NBC4’s health team to separate fact from fiction about…
When it comes to choosing the right footwear, the stakes are higher than you might think. Your feet support your entire body weight and serve as the foundation for your mobility. Dr. Yash Mehta, an Interventional Spine & Sports Medicine doctor at VSI who has been featured in AP News and National Geographic, offers expert…
Why Backpack Weight Matters for Kids’ Spine Health No matter how expensive or well-designed the backpack is, carrying a heavy load repeatedly every day could very well be putting your child’s spine health at risk. If you’ve noticed your child struggling to put on or take off their backpack before, it’s probably too heavy! As…
Migraines are the sixth most disabling illness worldwide, affecting nearly 40 million Americans and one in four households. While migraines can strike in any season, summer brings its own surge in cases. In fact, one study found that for every 10°F increase in temperature, migraine likeliness rose by 6%. So why does heat make migraines…
When you think of the summer time, back pain may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet for many people, hot weather can make existing pain worse, or even trigger new flare-ups. Extreme heat, dehydration, and lifestyle changes during the summer months all play a role in your risk for back pain…
Golf is more than a game; it’s a lifestyle. But for many middle-aged men, golf injuries like low back pain, golfer’s elbow, and rotator cuff strain can get in the way of enjoying the sport. Understanding the most common golf injuries, why they happen, and how to prevent them will help you stay healthy and…
With walking trends going viral on TikTok, it is no surprise that many are wondering which of these are actually beneficial for your health and which are just hype. In a recent news segment, Dr. Colin Haines, spine surgeon at VSI, appeared on Fox5 DC to help separate fact from fiction. Watch the full clip…
Have you ever experienced sensitivity to light, sounds, or smells, visual disturbances, nausea, or dizziness, but didn’t have the accompanying head pain that is usually associated with migraines? You may be experiencing a silent migraine. Silent migraines can often be known as the “quiet” migraine you didn’t see coming and so people often overlook the…
When the lights go out and the world quiets down, many people look forward to a restful night’s sleep. But for those living with chronic pain, nighttime can be a battleground, where rest is replaced with discomfort. This frustrating phenomenon is known as painsomnia, and it affects millions. Dr. Thomas Nguyen, as featured in Everyday…
