If you think migraines are just headaches, think again. In this episode of the Get Back to Your Life® podcast, neurologist Dr. Ella Akkerman breaks down the debilitating nature of migraines and why it’s time we take them seriously. “Migraines are not just bad headaches. They’re disabling, life-changing. And so do not sit in silence…
June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (#MHAM) which is an important time to raise awareness of these debilitating and chronic headaches that affect millions of Americans. As a board-certified neurologist providing concierge care for neck and back conditions, chronic pain and headache disorders are one of my specialties and what I find in…
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…
Why Adults Need Tummy Time If you have a child, you are likely no stranger to the term “tummy time.” However, this simple hack turned trend has gained traction as a way for adults to improve posture and reverse tech neck. For those new to this phrase, essentially, it involves spending time on your stomach,…
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….
As we wrap up Stress Awareness Month, let’s talk about something that surprises many of my patients: stress can actually cause physical pain. I see it all the time in my practice. I’ve had plenty of patients come in with back pain, jaw tightness, or digestive issues, and when we really dig in, a common…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
