Bertolotti Syndrome is an unique cause of low back pain, particularly focused along the waistline slightly off to the side, that is often confused with sacroiliitis. Bertolotti Syndrome is a diagnosis given to someone with symptomatic pain due to a transitional vertebra that is inflamed. Although it is a very rare cause of back pain,…
A common concern that patients have when discussing spinal surgery is whether they will lose mobility and function after the procedure. This question frequently comes from fear arising from urban myth or historic outcomes from older surgical techniques. Not Your Grandma’s Spine Surgery In modern spinal surgery, the operations are designed to minimize trauma to…
Millions of people experience symptoms related to back or neck pain each year. These symptoms could include tingling, numbness, pins and needles, loss of strength – you name it, someone has felt it. Luckily, as the prevalence of back and neck pain has progressed, so has our understanding of the underlying causes and our ability to treat…
As featured on WTOP.com We live in a digitally connected world, and while there are many benefits to this, for many it is becoming a pain in the neck – literally. Did you know the average American spends over 10 hours a day hunched over their phones and tablets? Pair that with the fact the human head weighs roughly 12…
Quick Anatomy Refresher The body is made up of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system connects our brain and spinal cord to the muscles and skin of our body using nerves. Nerves run through every body part we have, comprised of tens of thousands of fibbers that allow…
It’s no surprise that there are many causes for lower back pain, but over the years the majority of medical professionals have only focused on the familiar, common causes for this pain. This includes discogenic pain, arthritic pain, nerve pain, and musculoskeletal pain. What many doctors fail to realize, however, is that there is another…
It’s no surprise that athletes are highly susceptible to injuries, but more commonly we think of sprains and strains as the culprit. If the ice/heat treatment doesn’t seem to be working, your lower back pain could be the result of something more serious. Disc Herniations: The Unlikely Culprit Within the general population, disc herniations are most common among older…
Do you have tingling and numbness that goes in your buttock, leg, or even down to your toes? While this is unfortunately a common condition, the good news is that we have answers for you! There are many possible causes of your symptoms so a thorough and detailed exam is important in getting you back…
Symptoms of pain or tingling in the shoulder, arm, and/or hand are very common in many of the patients we care for at VSI. There may be several reasons for these symptoms. 4 Common Reasons for Arm Pain or Tingling 1. Nerve Pinching in the Neck All of the nerves that supply the muscles and sensation…
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) is a buzzword often thrown around by doctors and patients seeking the best surgical option for their neck or back pain. And for good reason! MISS offers the same post-surgical benefits as traditional spine surgery, but with much less trauma. Until recently, many surgeons needed to make large incisions which required…
