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VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)

3 days ago

Stress is more than just a feeling — it can manifest in our bodies as real, physical pain, often leading to symptoms like migraines, sleep disturbances, neck pain, and chronic back pain.

VSI Neurologist, Dr. Ella Akkerman, joined FOX 5 DC for National Stress Awareness Month to break down this powerful mind-body connection and how stress can cause and worsen physical pain.

Keep watching to learn:
- How stress affects the nervous system and pain perception
- Practical tools to reduce stress and support nervous system healing
- How everyday items like journals, headphones, mirrors, and weighted blankets can calm your body
- Why reducing screen time and practicing stress management techniques matters for long-term health

Whether you're juggling work, family, financial pressure, or just too much screen time, this segment delivers tangible tools to help you get out of "fight or flight" mode and shift your nervous system into a healing state. As Dr. Akkerman says, "Make your amygdala happy."

To read more about this news segment, visit: https://www.spinemd.com/resources/news/as-seen-on-fox5-dc-tips-to-prevent-stress-related-pain/
🖥️ For more information or to schedule a consultation with VSI, visit: www.VSIspine.com

Dr. Ella Akkerman is a board-certified Neurologist with over 15 years of experience treating a wide range of neurological disorders, including chronic headaches, migraines, nerve pain, balance issues, progressive neuropathy, movement disorders, and other general neurological conditions. She specializes in patient-centered care, expert diagnostics, and interdisciplinary treatment. She translates complex neurological issues into clear concepts, empowering patients along every step of their healthcare journey.
For learn more about Dr. Akkerman, visit: https://www.spinemd.com/medical_team/dr-ella-akkerman/
📲 Follow VSI Neurology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vsi_neurology

#NationalStressAwarenessMonth #Stress #stressrelief #stressmanagement #stressreduction #painrelief #backpainrelief #stressandpain

Tips to Prevent Stress-Related Pain | As Seen on Fox5 DC

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VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)

1 weeks ago

The answer is an emphatic yes.

Despite the controversy, the confusion often comes from inconsistent symptoms and a lack of awareness among providers. Just because a patient has imaging features like pseudoarticulation with no pain doesn’t mean the condition itself is a myth.

Painful Bertolotti syndrome is real. It’s up to experienced spine specialists to accurately identify when these structural changes are the true source of pain.

#bertolotti #bertolottisyndrome #bertolottissyndrome #lowbackpain #backpain #chronicpain #radiculopathy #sciatica #painmanagement #misdiagnosed #spineconditions #medicalmystery #spinespecialist #spinesurgeon

Does Bertolotti syndrome truly exist?

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VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)

1 weeks ago

A question I always get from my patients after a resection: “Is there a chance for the bone to regrow?”

I haven’t seen bone regrowth after a Bertolotti Resection for these 2 reasons:
1) By creating a wider gap in the resection (not just a small sliver), it minimizes the risk of bone reformation.
2) We use a substance called DuraSeal on the edges of the bone to block bone growth.

By using these techniques and restoring what the body wants this bone to look like, we can prevent this common fear after a Bertolotti Resection.

#bertolottiresection #bertolotti #bertolottisyndrome #bertolottissyndrome #lowbackpain #backpain #chronicpain #radiculopathy #sciatica #painmanagement #misdiagnosed #spineconditions #medicalmystery #spinespecialist #spinesurgeon #operatingroom

Bertolotti Resection BTS (Part 2)!

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VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)

1 weeks ago

Using technology like the O-Arm, I get a precise view of the Bertolotti’s bone and joint, which allows me to make an accurate resection. This is how we make surgery safer and more effective for our patients.

#bertolottiresection #bertolotti #bertolottisyndrome #bertolottissyndrome #lowbackpain #backpain #chronicpain #radiculopathy #sciatica #painmanagement #misdiagnosed #spineconditions #medicalmystery #spinespecialist #spinesurgeon #operatingroom

Bertolotti Resection BTS👏

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VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)

2 weeks ago

If you’ve been stuck in the endless loop of trying everything for your low back pain—with no lasting relief—this episode is for you.

You’ve done the massage guns. The YouTube stretches. The painkillers. Maybe even acupuncture, back braces, or chiropractors. And yet... your back still hurts.

You’re not imagining it. You’re not weak. And you’re definitely not alone.

Lower back pain affects 1 in 4 American adults and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. But here’s the real problem: most people are chasing temporary fixes that never get to the root cause of their pain. And in the process, they’re losing time, money, energy—and hope.

In this episode of Get Back to Your Life®, Dr. Yash Mehta, Interventional Spine & Sports Medicine at VSI, cuts through the noise. He breaks down what the latest research actually says about back pain treatments, and why many commonly recommended remedies just don’t hold up when it comes to lasting relief.

🎙️You'll learn:
- The real reason your pain keeps coming back
- Why so many common back pain treatments fail—and what to try instead
- The habits that will actually help you protect your spine for the long haul
- How to tell if your back pain is something more serious
- What it actually means to treat the root cause of chronic back pain
- When it’s time to stop experimenting and start seeing a spine specialist
- If you’ve been told to just live with it—or worse, that it’s all in your head—don’t miss this.

🎧Listen now:
Apple Podcasts | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-back-to-your-life/id1621538885?i=1000701880068
Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/episode/6bFdpGdbgBeqcxSLakd9rw?si=eaabee0a49ab4c57
For more information on lasting back pain solutions, visit us at VSISpine.com.

Dr. Yash Mehta is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and received his medical degree at Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. With 13 years of education, training, research, and medical experience, he completed residency at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore and an interventional spine and musculoskeletal medicine fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital, which ranks Top 5 in the nation. Dr. Mehta speaks fluent English, Gujarati, Hindi, and conversational Spanish. His expertise in holistic medicine has earned him features in Fox5 and ABC7.
Follow Dr. Mehta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mehta_physiatrist/

Resolving Back Pain: Quick Fixes vs. Lasting Relief | VSI

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VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)

2 weeks ago

Are you or someone you love struggling with chronic back and leg pain? Neurosurgeon Dr. William Kemp explains the case of his patient Tom, a 71-year-old retired fire chief who spent years suffering from debilitating pain that impacted every part of his life. After trying physical therapy, medications, and injections with only temporary relief, he turned to Dr. Kemp at VSI for answers.

Through expert diagnosis and a personalized surgical approach, Tom underwent anterior and posterior spinal fusion, restoring his mobility and quality of life. Today, he’s pain-free, back in the gym, and enjoying time with his family.

Listen to Dr. Kemp explain this case, then listen to Tom’s testimonial as he highlights his own apprehensions before surgery, his step-by-step recovery process (including the importance of daily walking), and how he found confidence in Dr. Kemp and the VSI team. If non-surgical solutions haven’t given you sustained relief, this video will break down what to expect from spinal fusion surgery and recovery.

Hear from Dr. Kemp as he breaks down Tom’s case and from Tom in an inspiring patient testimonial:
0:00 - Dr. Kemp introduces Tom's case
1:03 - Diagnosing spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease
1:53 - Surgical treatment: anterior & posterior spinal fusion surgery
2:52 - Tom's Patient Testimonial
5:22 - The secret to spine surgery recovery
6:17 - Why Tom chose VSI

Subscribe to our channel for more inspiring recovery stories and expert insights on spine health and surgical options for back pain relief!

🖥️ For more information about spinal stenosis treatment, visit: https://www.spinemd.com/resources/blog/new-ultra-minimally-invasive-treatment-for-spinal-stenosis/

Dr. William Kemp is a board-certified spine neurosurgeon skilled in treating complex neck and back conditions utilizing leading-edge technology and advanced techniques. With education and training at world-class academic medical centers, he completed his neurosurgery residency at Cleveland Clinic and a spine surgery fellowship at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Kemp was awarded the 2024 Top Doctor recognition by Northern Virginia Magazine.
To learn more about Dr. Kemp, visit: https://www.spinemd.com/medical_team/dr-william-kemp/
Follow Dr. Kemp on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.bill_kemp/

📲 FOLLOW US on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vsi_spine/

#backpainrelief #spinesurgery #patienttestimonial #spinalfusion #spinalstenosis #chronicbackpain #neurosurgery #spinalpain

Diagnosing and Treating Spinal Stenosis | Explained by a Neurosurgeon

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VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)

3 weeks ago

Breaking down Juju Watkins injury and why women’s sports don’t get the coverage they deserve.

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VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)

4 weeks ago

March Madness 2025 is in full swing, and whether you're hitting the court for fun or reliving your glory days, staying injury-free is key! 🏀
Dr. Yash Mehta, Interventional Spine & Sports Medicine Doctor at VSI, joined DC News Now to share his expert tips on preventing common basketball injuries, including ankle spra ins, knee strains, and muscle fatigue.

Keep watching to learn:
- The importance of warming up & stretching properly
- How to protect your joints with the right gear
- Smart game strategies to avoid overuse injuries
- Off-the-court conditioning tips to keep your body in top shape

Don't let an injury sideline you this season! If you're dealing with persistent pain or unsure whether an injury is serious, VSI can help you get back in the game.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with VSI visit: www.VSIspine.com

Follow Dr. Mehta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mehta_physiatrist/

#MarchMadness #basketball #collegebasketball #Basketballinjuries #sports #sportsinjury #injuryprevention #SportsinjuryPrevention #physiatry #physiatrist

As Seen on DC News Now: March Madness Tips to Prevent Basketball Injuries

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VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)

1 months ago

You work hard, stay active, and make healthy eating choices—sounds like the perfect formula for wellness, right? But what if skimping on sleep is holding you back? Poor sleep habits could be silently sabotaging your energy, performance, and overall health. In this Get Back to Your Life® episode, Dr. Thomas Nguyen, a leading expert in sleep science, reveals the crucial role sleep plays in recovery, longevity, and optimal well-being. Tune in to learn how better sleep can supercharge your health and help you reach your full potential!

Sleep is the foundation of our health, affecting everything from productivity to recovery and pain relief. But did you know that poor sleep can make you feel more pain? It’s true—sleep deprivation triggers inflammation, heightens sensitivity to aches and pains, and slows recovery. The good news? Small changes can make a big difference.

In this episode, Dr. Thomas Nguyen, Interventional Pain Specialist at VSI, reveals why your sleep hygiene and creating the ultimate sleep environment matter more than you think!

From hidden pain triggers in your sleep environment to simple tweaks that lead to better sleep, less pain, and even improved daily function, Dr. Nguyen shares which small upgrades can unearth big wins for your health.

- Does sleep really affect pain tolerance?
- When is it time for a new mattress or pillow?
- How many hours of sleep do you actually need?
- The one thing you can change tonight for better sleep

Tune in for Dr. Nguyen’s expert sleep strategies to help you wake up refreshed—not wrecked. You won’t want to SNOOZE on this episode!

🎧 Listen to this full episode on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-back-to-your-life/id1621538885?i=1000698558231
🎧 Listen to this full episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/22HAL65Z9xiOfcfbmOD3wj?si=e5effce0c63e4bce

🖥️ Learn more about Dr. Nguyen: https://www.spinemd.com/medical_team/dr-thomas-nguyen/
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FOLLOW US on social media 👇
VSI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vsi_spine/
Dr. Nguyen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.t_nguyen/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vsi_spine?lang=en

#Sleep #sleephygiene #bettersleep #sleephealth #sleeptips #sleepinstantly #fallasleep #sleepissues #SleepAwarenessWeek #healthysleep #sleepmatters #wellness #mentalhealth #selfcare

Sleep Like a Pro: Tips for a Healthier Life

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