In this episode - we sharing a powerful love story…not the kind that focuses on first dates, first kisses or over-the-top marriage proposals. We’re talking about partners in pain - and how you help the one you love when debilitating back pain takes over their life. 80% of Americans experience back pain at some point in their life so that’s a lot of partners impacted too. How do you love someone through that? An inspiring couple is here today to talk about how they did it and the lessons that helped them get through it and finally get to a pain free place in their lives.  Learn more about VSI at SpineMD.com

Today we’re busting a big and long-held myth - that all surgeons just want to do surgery. The truth is, there are so many modern spine treatments and procedures out there that patients and their doctors have a lot of options to treat pain and injury - not just surgical but non-surgical ones too. A modern approach for patients involves finding a surgeon invested in your recovery, not a particular procedure. What does that look like and how do you find a doctor like that? We talk about it in this episode with a patient who worked long and hard to figure it out himself and has tips to share with others looking to do the same.  Learn more about VSI at SpineMD.com

Many people have preconceived notions about spinal fusion surgery. Maybe you remember your parents or grandparents having one. If so - you likely think of an open-back surgery with a long recovery time, a lot of pain and restricted movement.  But that was then and this is now. In today’s era of modern back surgery, advanced technology makes minimally invasive surgeries possible. That translates to reduced recovery time, less pain and more movement. But what does that look like in real life? Today we’re talking about it with a patient for an honest, unvarnished look at life after spinal fusion.  Learn more about VSI at SpineMD.com

Three quarters of parents say they spend too little time with their kids. These days, many families are looking for solutions, and Dr. Christopher Good says he has a great one that’s working for his family. Dr. Good is a spine surgeon. He is president and CEO of Virginia Spine Institute in Reston, Virginia, and he is a father of three. A year ago, he and his wife set a goal for their family, and that was to spend more time together and to focus on individual and collective goals. They called their effort G 5. He's here to talk about it what it entails and the difference it’s making for his family in the hopes of inspiring you as you set your family’s wellness and health goals.  Learn more about VSI at SpineMD.com

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 Haynes from Virginia Spine Institute about how he helps competitive cheerleaders deal with back and neck pain and injuries. We’re also talking with cheerleader Maggie Lang and her mother about how pain sidelined her as an athlete and what helped her get back in the game.  Learn more about VSI at SpineMD.com

There are tons of resources for new moms to get in shape after baby, but what about new Dads? New Dad and expert physical therapist Justin Geisler of the Virginia Spine Institute says Dads need support, too - and they’re not getting it. Three months into parenthood, he’s developed a new workout routine around his newborn and parented through a pulled muscle. In advance of Father’s Day, he’s got simple tips and practical tricks to help other Dads get active and stay pain-free too.  - One study found new dads lose about 5 hours or less of physical activity a week for two years.  - Research shows new dads end up cutting back on sports, which has a domino effect on their overall health.  - New fathers are more likely to be overweight or obese.   - The NIH says new dads often lack resources to stay physically active and pain free.  Learn more about VSI at SpineMD.com.

Everyone goes to the doctor when they need advice on their health - but have you ever wondered who a doctor goes to gain advice on health and wellness? What healthy habits do doctors themselves live by and how are they implementing a focus on sleep, good nutrition, exercise, and overall wellness in their life? In this episode - we’re asking those questions to world-renowned spine surgeon Dr. Christopher Good of the Virginia Spine Institute.    To learn more visit VirginiaSpine.com

We’re all aware of the awesome feeling of sinking into the couch after a long day at work or for a relaxing weekend.   But after a few hours, being a couch potato can be a real pain in the back or neck.     Jennifer Davis talked with Dr. William Kemp, a neurosurgeon at Virginia Spine Institute - about how to enjoy collapsing on the couch and relaxing without pain.    Learn more about VSI at SpineMD.com

Risk - it’s a part of life and it’s certainly a part of surgery - hopefully, a small one.   Still, the truth of the matter is - if you’re considering spine surgery - you want to know what your surgeon is doing to minimize risk. It’s an important question for anyone needing to undergo spine surgery and for today's guest, Andrew Brunson – it’s something he’s had to do twice. Once in 2016 – when he had a spinal fusion on his neck at a major medical institution and then more recently in 2021 – when he found Virginia Spine Institute in search of a consultation for a disc replacement. He discusses the patient perspective on selecting a spine surgeon who minimizes surgical risk. We will also hear from his spine surgeon Dr. Ehsan Jazini about the special measures he takes to minimize risk for his patients in the operating room.      Learn more at SpineMD.com.

Many people will need back surgery at some point in their lives and figuring out the right amount of opioid pain medication to prescribe patients so they don’t have a bunch of pills left over - is trickier than you think.   We’re tackling this issue today with doctors trying to drive important change including Spine Surgeon Ehsan Jazini, MD.    Learn more about VSI at SpineMD.com

The workplace and workspace of 2022 looks very different than it did just a few years ago before the COVID-19 pandemic.   It has shifted in major ways.   Now people are finding themselves working anywhere and everywhere - from home offices and coffee shops to their car, in an airport or hotel  -  and everywhere in between.   Our bodies are feeling this change - in good and bad ways. So that’s what we’re talking about in this episode with Dr. Yash Mehta, an interventional spine and sports medicine doctor at Virginia Spine Institute.    Learn more about non-surgical treatments for back and neck pain at VSI at SpineMD.com.

Welcome to Get Back To Your Life - a new podcast from the spine experts at Virginia Spine Institute.   80% of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives and when we do - it’s not only painful - AND often expensive - it’s also disruptive and demoralizing because it keeps us from living our best life!    When you experience back and neck pain - it gets in the way of all those things you love to do.   So what are your options? AND what do you do when you have SO much information? Where do you turn for that second opinion?   This podcast is about educating you on your options and this episode lays out the many ways we plan to do that to help you Get Back To Your Life - and all that you love doing.