side view of cheerleaders

When Back Pain is Nothing to ‘Cheer’ About

Cheerleading is an incredible popular sport, with more than 3 million involved across the US. These are serious athletes who can develop very serious injuries, especially along and around the spine. So we are talking in this episode with Dr. Colin Haines from VSI about how he helps competitive cheerleaders deal with back and neck…

Man gripping lower back with radiating pain and view of the lumbar spine

Spondylosis vs Spondylolysis vs Spondylolisthesis: What’s the Difference?

As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and the spine is no exception. Conditions like spondylosis, spondylolysis, and spondylolisthesis are commonly heard medical terms related to the spine. While they sound similar, they each have specific characteristics and modes of treatment. Knowing what they mean is just the first step to finding healing –…

Is It Possible To Live Pain-free With Bertolotti’s Syndrome?

Is It Possible To Live Pain-free With Bertolotti’s Syndrome?

Bertolotti’s Syndrome (BS) is rare — with research showing it affects just 4–8% of the population. But it’s something we are both very familiar with as spine surgeons because it’s a cause of low back pain in young patients. Word of mouth referrals are strong among those who have Bertolotti’s because knowledge about the condition…

blood tube at the microbiology laboratory

Doctor Perspective: Natural Healing Option for SI Joint Dysfunction

SI joint problems can be tricky to diagnose. Although imaging is a diagnostic tool, X-rays alone can’t fully identify the problem. Another problem in this area is that while the injury wasn’t well known for some time, now – thanks to an over-abundance of so-called ‘treatments’, it’s actually over-diagnosed and now you can find an endless…

american soldier with books

Army Veteran, Close to Being Paralyzed, Receives Life-Changing Surgery

As we head towards Veteran’s Day, there’s growing recognition (NIH Study) of the problems back pain causes for military members and veterans. The Army is now trying out a new element of uniforms to help alleviate back pain in its ranks because it’s so common that it significantly impacts operations, causing more than 1 million lost or limited soldier…

dr. jazini disc herniations

Disc Replacement Surgery for Disc Herniations

Dr. Ehsan Jazini shares his insight on disc replacement surgery as a treatment options for people suffering from disc herniations in their neck. Dr. Jazini is a board certified spine surgeon at VSI. He has been the first in the nation, and in the world, to perform advanced surgical techniques in cervical disc replacement, augmented…

cropped, mother and daughter walking down the street, back view 901211852 3868x2578 (edited)

Moms Prioritizing their Spine Health

DON’T PUT YOUR HEALTH ON THE ‘BACK’ BURNER  Morgan, a 39-year-old Virginia mom had been feeling debilitating pain and numbness for about two months in her arm and shoulder. It was increasingly frustrating for the active outdoor enthusiast and fitness trainer, who spends most of her time outside with her husband and 4-year-old daughter Mirabel, going overnight backpacking…

dr. good degenerative disc disease

Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease Through A Patient’s Journey | Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments

Degenerative disc disease is a condition that involves weakening of one or more vertebral discs which normally act as a cushion between the vertebrae. This can occur anywhere in the spine. This condition can develop as a natural part of the aging process but may also result from an injury to the back or neck….