Get Back To Your Life®

Does your jaw ever pop, ache, or lock up? Do you wake up with headaches, ear pain, or even a sore neck? Maybe you've written it off to stress, poor posture, or a 'bad night's sleep.' Perhaps you've tried mouthguards, painkillers, or that trending TikTok jaw-cracking trick—only to find that nothing works.

While this may have left you frustrated - you're not alone. Millions struggle with TMJ disorder, yet many don't realize what's truly causing their pain—or that real relief is possible. In this episode, VSI Regenerative Medicine Director Dr. Niteesh Bharara and VSI Physical Therapist Diego Herrera—experts in diagnosing and treating TMJ pain at its source—help us uncover the truth about this disorder and the nonsurgical solutions available - that many may not know about. Key Takeaways for TMJ Sufferers:

• The biggest TMJ myths (and what's actually true)
• Everyday habits that could be exacerbating your pain
• Science-backed treatments to relieve jaw tension and restore function
• Signs it's time to seek medical care—and how to choose the right specialist

PLUS, a TMJ recovery testimonial: For VSI patient Caroline, TMJ pain dominated her life. Simple tasks like eating, speaking, and even sleeping became unbearable. The sharp, shooting pain episodes were relentless. She tried everything—mouthguards, Botox, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, dry needling—but not one gave her lasting relief. Until she discovered a life-changing solution at VSI. Now, Caroline is back to living the life she feared she'd lost forever. Her story is a testament to the fact that real relief is achievable—and you don't have to suffer in silence. This episode is essential listening if you want to overcome TMJ pain and reclaim your life! Listen now: Youtube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify Find additional expert resources & support at VSISpine.com.

Spending long hours on your feet can take a serious toll on your body, especially your back—and few professionals feel this more acutely than educators. From standing for hours to racing between classrooms and handling high-stress situations, the physical and emotional demands of education can quietly chip away at your health. In fact, on average educators take approximately 12,000 steps per day and to many, back pain could be a threat or even a career-ending struggle. This patient's testimonial story illustrates the power of not just 'living with the pain' and advocating for the right solutions.

In this episode, we hear from Chris, a middle school principal, husband, and father, whose debilitating back pain drained his energy, disrupted his career, and impacted his family life. After trying everything from yoga to physical therapy and acupuncture, Chris felt like nothing could truly relieve his pain—until he found Dr. Colin Haines at VSI.

Using a customized approach called hybrid spine surgery—a combination of spinal fusion and disc replacement—Dr. Haines helped Chris overcome his back pain and preserve the natural option of his spine. Months later, Chris went from struggling to stand through the day to hiking pain-free through Zion National Park, his transformation is proof that relief is possible.

If you've been searching for solutions to chronic back pain or wondering if advanced treatments could help you, don't miss this inspiring episode. Learn how VSI's expert spine team helps patients get back on their feet—and back to doing what they love.

Listen now: Youtube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

For additional information and resources, visit VSISpine.com.

In this special New Year's episode, we explore the resolutions of doctors as they strive to prioritize health, happiness, and balance in 2025. From finding balance in their busy schedules to prioritizing health and happiness, these medical professionals share the small yet powerful changes they're planning to make for a brighter year ahead. Whether seeking to improve your physical health, boost your well-being, or achieve more balance, their insights and strategies might inspire your best year yet. Tune in and get motivated to kick off 2025 with purpose!

Hear the doctors at VSI share small yet powerful changes they plan to make in 2025 - giving you a unique glimpse into how they plan to lead healthier, happier, and more balanced lives.

• Dr. Christopher Good | Prioritizing Meaningful Moments with Family

• Dr. Colin Haines | Unplugging to Reconnect: Embracing Life Beyond Screens

• Dr. Ehsan Jazini | Nurturing Wellness by Fighting Inflammation

• Dr. Niteesh Bharara | Expanding Horizons Through the Power of Reading

• Dr. William Kemp | Exploring the World While Cultivating Work-Life Harmony

• Dr. Yash Mehta | Taking Mindful Walks after Meals to Boost Health

• Dr. Thomas Nguyen | Transforming Rest into a Powerful Recharge

Listen to discover actionable wellness tips, hear inspiring stories, and learn how doctors lead by example to create a healthier future. They even reveal some of their most anticipated challenges with these resolutions and how they plan to set themselves up for success. Whether setting your resolutions or seeking motivation, this episode is packed with insights to kickstart your year.

Listen now: Youtube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

For additional health tips and resources, visit VSISpine.com.

Winter weather can take a serious toll on your back. In this episode, Spine Surgeon, and winter enthusiast, Dr. Colin Haines shares the common pitfalls that can result in seasonal back pain, including improper snow shoveling techniques, slipping on ice, and cold weather inactivity. Discover practical tips to protect your spine, stay active, and prevent injuries throughout the season. Plus, learn how dropping temperatures and barometric pressure changes can contribute to stiffness and flare-ups, especially for those with chronic back conditions. Tune in for expert advice on preventing injuries, staying mobile, and keeping your spine healthy all winter. Don't let winter slow you down—tune in for expert advice on staying mobile, injury-free, and keeping your spine in tip-top shape during the chilliest months of the year! Listen now: Youtube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify For additional information and helpful resources, visit VSISpine.com.

Skiing isn't just a sport—it's a passion that challenges your body and feeds your soul. But what happens when severe back pain threatens to take that joy away? In this episode, meet skier and dad Chris Denkers, whose love for skiing wasn't just about carving the slopes - it was about coaching his twin boys, Wyatt and Riley, national snowboarding competitors who live with cystic fibrosis. When debilitating back pain made it impossible for Chris to ski competitively or even stand in ski boots, he faced the devastating reality of losing both his favorite sport and precious time with his family on the mountain. Tune in to hear Chris's inspiring journey from living with chronic back pain, caused by spinal stenosis, to undergoing a life-changing customized spine surgery (combining spinal fusion and disc replacement) with world-renowned spine surgeon Dr. Christopher Good at VSI. Hear how this innovative hybrid procedure eliminated a decade of pain and restored Chris's active lifestyle. You won't want to miss this powerful story of recovery, resilience, and reclaiming what matters most - on and off the mountain. Listen now: Youtube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify For additional information and resources, visit VSISpine.com.

This Veterans Day, we honor the courage and resilience of those who have served our country, recognizing that their bravery often comes with a price—chronic and debilitating pain. U.S. veterans experience significantly higher rates of back and chronic pain compared to civilians and are 40% more likely to suffer from severe pain. Whether due to the physical demands of service, accidents, or injuries, finding lasting relief can be a significant challenge.

In this special episode of Get Back to Your Life, we speak with Aaron Harper, a veteran who endured 33 years of back pain following a service-related injury. Despite decades of suffering, Aaron never gave up hope. With the help of Spine Surgeon Dr. Ehsan Jazini at VSI, he discovered a life-changing solution that allowed him to reclaim a full and active life. Join us as he shares his inspiring journey and valuable insights to offer hope and guidance to other veterans seeking relief and recovery.

Listen now: Youtube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

For additional information and resources, visit VSISpine.com.

Millions of young athletes dedicate themselves to reaching the next level in their sport. But with intense training and early specialization comes a troubling rise in sports-related overuse injuries—like stress fractures and Pars injuries—that sideline kids from competition, leaving parents feeling helpless and young athletes questioning their future. Parents watching their child suffer from sports injury pain often ask: What's next? Will they fully recover, or could pain be a lifelong challenge?

Today's guest understands that struggle firsthand. At just 15, Matteo Vasiliadis was forced to put his dream of Division 1 collegiate diving on hold for 9 months after suffering a serious overuse injury to his spine. Matteo's journey to healing didn't just involve rest and recovery; he pursued an innovative approach with natural therapies and cutting-edge stem cell treatments to help his body repair and strengthen. This combination, performed by Dr. Christopher Good, allowed him to heal from his fractures without surgery, regain his physical abilities, and ultimately get back to the pool competing at Brown University.

If your child is dealing with the pain and frustration of a sports injury, you're likely wondering—can they come back stronger? Will they be able to pursue their passion without the shadow of long-term pain?

Matteo's story is a must-listen for young athletes and their families, offering valuable insights for young athletes and their families determined to get back to the sport they love.

Listen now: Youtube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Click here to listen to Dr. Good explain how he found a solution for Matteo.

For additional information and resources, visit VSISpine.com.

With the rise of competitive youth sports and year-round training, overuse injuries in young athletes are becoming a growing concern for parents. Each year, millions of children experience sports-related injuries, many due to excessive training and lack of recovery time.

In this episode, Spine Surgeon Dr. Colin Haines and Sports Medicine Specialist Dr. Niteesh Bharara delve into the causes, signs, and prevention of overuse injuries, such as stress fractures, tendonitis, and runner's knee. They explain how early specialization in one sport, combined with high-intensity schedules, increases the risk of these injuries and offer practical advice on how parents can protect their athletes.

Learn how to recognize when your child's pain is more than just fatigue and what steps to take for proper healing. From early detection to recovery strategies like physical therapy and regenerative medicine, our experts provide insights to help your athlete stay healthy and strong.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why sports overuse injuries are on the rise
• Common overuse injuries in young athletes
• Signs your child may be suffering from an overuse injury
• Effective prevention and treatment options for a faster recovery

Tune in to safeguard your child's sports future and ensure they can continue playing the sports they love—injury-free!

Listen now: Youtube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify For additional information and resources on this topic, visit: VSISpine.com

You know those questions you want to ask your doctor, but hesitate to ask because it feels too personal or awkward to bring up? You're not alone.

In this episode of Get Back to Your Life™ podcast, we're tackling the ten (10) most common questions patients often hesitate to ask their spine surgeon – sensitive, yet essential, questions that can feel awkward or intimidating to voice.

Join our expert Physician Assistants, Thao Allen, Ian Brown, and Sam Mueller, who bring over 25 years of combined experience at VSI. They're here to address everything from post-surgery pain to activity restrictions, to intimacy concerns, and more.

Whether you're worried about what's normal, how to manage unexpected symptoms, or when you can get back to your routine, this episode provides candid, reassuring answers to help you navigate your spine surgery recovery confidently.

Get ready for this open and honest discussion as we uncover the answers to your most pressing questions:

• What should I expect after spine surgery?

• Is spine surgery really scary?

• What activities can I do after spine surgery?

• How soon can I have sex after surgery?

• What if I can't poop after surgery?

• Am I too overweight for spine surgery?

• Can I ride a rollercoaster after spine surgery?

• Can I work from home after spine surgery?

• How soon can I exercise after spine surgery?

• Can I drink after spine surgery?

Plus, we share tips on how to ask your own 'embarrassing' questions without hesitation. These concerns are more common than you think, and getting the right answers can help you return to the life you love faster.

Released during National PA Week, this episode is also a tribute to the vital role of our VSI Physician Assistants in supporting patients through every stage of their spine health journey.

Tune in now to get your questions answered!

Listen now: Youtube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

For additional information and resources, visit VSISpine.com.

Today we delve into the world of spine health and supplements with Dr. Christopher Good, a spine surgeon with a passion for holistic wellness. Dr. Good brings his expertise in surgical interventions for spine conditions and sheds light on the role of supplements in promoting overall spinal health and aiding in surgery recovery.

In this episode, Dr. Good shares his journey with supplements and how they have positively impacted his health and well-being. Drawing from his professional experience and extensive research, he'll guide us through a curated selection of supplements -- ones optimized for fighting inflammation, reducing joint pain, increasing bone health and ones that have shown promising results in supporting spine health and accelerating recovery after surgery… and the supplements most people should take every day.

Listen now: Youtube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

For additional information and resources, visit VSISpine.com.