best of virginia 2025
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VSI Named 2025 Best Orthopedic and PT Practice

VSI, the premier spine center Virginia trusts for comprehensive spinal and orthopedic health, is proud to announce it has been named Best Orthopedic Practice and Best Physical Therapy Practice in Virginia Living magazine’s 2025 Best of Virginia Awards. This honor reflects VSI’s leadership in advanced orthopedic spine care and rehabilitative therapy, benefiting patients across the…

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….

2025 face of spine care
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VSI Doctors Recognized as The Face of Spine Care by Arlington Magazine

VSI is proud to announce that our doctors have been recognized as the “Face of Spine Care” by Arlington Magazine. This honor reflects VSI’s role as a leading authority in spine health in the Northern Virginia region. Being named the “Face of Spine Care” shines a spotlight on our team’s expertise and innovations, and reflects…

support and doctor for empathy after failed surgery
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Causes and Solutions for Unresolved Pain After Spine Surgery

Still in pain after spine surgery? You’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not out of options. If your surgical procedure didn’t align with your expectations and deliver the relief you were looking for, or your symptoms have returned, it may have left you feeling frustrated about where to turn next. In the latest episode…

woman giving thumbs up in a hospital bed
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Medical Gaslighting: A Woman’s Fight to Be Heard and Treated for Her Pain

May is Women’s Health Month, a time to raise awareness about women’s health issues and celebrate the strength and resilience of women. There isn’t a better example of this strength than the story of a VSI patient named Jakki.  Jakki came to Dr. Haines after desperately searching for 20+ years to understand what was causing…

father with daughter on shoulders walking on beach with family

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,…