a young woman lying on the sofa in the living room with migraine
|

Strategies for Migraine Relief from a Neurologist

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…

Man suffering from Migraine

Neurologist Busts 4 Common Migraine Myths for National Migraine Awareness Month

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…

closeup hands of woman touching her back pain in nature background

Reducing Back Pain During Perimenopause

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…

close up of depressed man in pain
|

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….

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…