Get Back To Your Life™ by VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)

05.22.2024

Generations Apart: The Revolution of Modern Spine Surgery | Episode 59

Spine surgery today is a world away from what it used to be. Modern spine surgery bears almost no resemblance to the spine surgery your parents or grandparents had. From modern techniques to rapid recovery times, innovation has transformed...

05.08.2024

Disc Replacement Debate: Is It Safer Overseas? | Episode 58

Before you book that international flight, consider this: you might not need to venture far from home for disc replacement surgery. Medical tourism is a billion dollar business. Sometimes people travel overseas for surgery because it’s cheaper. When it comes...

04.24.2024

Navigating Spine Surgery Recovery | Episode 57

For some people, recovering from surgery is a fairly predictable journey. But for many, many others, the road to healing after surgery turns out to not be straight or easy. That can be disappointing, frustrating and even painful. What should...

04.10.2024

Surgery to Strength - A Weightlifter's Victory Over Back Pain I Episode 56

Interest in weightlifting and bodybuilding has skyrocketed in recent years. However, in a world where strength training has immense benefits, the fear of injury often looms large. Nearly a third of people who lift weights say they...

03.27.2024

Rethinking Knee Surgery: Insights and Regrets from a Doctor | Episode 55

Discover crucial insights and candid regrets from a seasoned doctor's perspective on knee surgery. Long before becoming a doctor, Dr. Bharara was a patient himself, and his own experience undergoing two knee surgeries sparked a revelation – and some regrets....

03.06.2024

A Victory Story: VSI's New Chapter | Episode 54

What's in a name for medical practices? Turns out, there’s a lot. Their name, their brand, their tagline - and it all reflects the doctors, the treatment, and the approach that surgeons take in providing care. That means it's critically...

02.14.2024

Love's Resilience: Overcoming Back Pain Together - A Valentine's Day Special | Episode 53

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...

01.31.2024

A Doctor’s Weight Loss Success Story and How It Can Help You | Episode 52

Data shows that about half of adults in the US (49.1%) are trying to lose weight in any given year, and anybody who has tried it knows - it is not easy. But it’s not impossible and in this episode...

01.17.2024

Surprising Tips to Conquer Your Recovery| Episode 51

It seems every time we turn around there's a new tool or technique to help you recover from an injury or spine surgery. There are tons of gadgets out there to help you...

01.03.2024

Walking Pads: Trend or Solution? A Doctor’s Perspective | Episode 50

They say sitting is the new smoking, which might explain the enormous growth and popularity of walking pads or walking desks. Are they the key to solving the problem of our sedentary lives or are there risks to consider? We’re...

12.13.2023

How To Find A Surgeon Who Does More Than Surgery | Episode 49

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...

11.29.2023

Solving Medical Mysteries: Bertolotti Syndrome | Episode 48

It’s never easy when you experience pain, but there’s no question it’s more difficult than ever when doctors can’t figure out the cause. When that happens, you need a doctor detective - one who is willing to take the time...

11.08.2023

Safeguarding Your Game: Slam Dunk Strategies to Prevent Basketball Injuries | Episode 47

A love of basketball runs deep. Once you’ve played the game, it’s hard to give it up. That’s why so many adults are part of recreational basketball leagues - long after they’ve stopped competing as student athletes. But injuries abound...

10.25.2023

Life After Modern Spinal Fusion: This is Not Your Grandparents Back Surgery | Episode 46

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. ...

10.18.2023

A Doctor’s Personal Wellness Journey For His Family | Episode 45

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...

10.04.2023

When Back Pain is Nothing to ‘Cheer’ About | Episode 44

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....

09.20.2023

What To Do When Back Pain Makes It Impossible To Work | Episode 43

Eighty percent of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their life so we shouldn’t be surprised that it’s a common reason adults call out sick to work. Whether your job is a physical one that keeps you...

09.06.2023

The Healing Power of Yoga: Insights from a Spine Surgeon | Episode 42

Join us for an enlightening discussion about the benefits that yoga has on our mental and physical well-being - spine health included! While yoga is commonly known for its ability to soothe anxiety and tension within in the body, its...

08.23.2023

Surviving College Move-in Day Without Injury | Episode 41

It’s Back to School Time - but we’re switching it up in this episode and focusing on all the adults out there who are moving grown kids into college or new apartments or houses. Everyone thinks about the emotional...

08.02.2023

How To Have Your Friends Back & Help Them Get Pain Free I Episode 40

Who do you lean on when you’re in pain? For many, it’s family but there’s no question that friends are an enormous source of support when life gets hard, you injure yourself and are hurting too. In this episode, we...

07.19.2023

Golfing Without Pain I Episode 39

With nearly 25 million enthusiasts hitting the greens every year, golf is undoubtedly a beloved sport. However, as with any physical activity, it comes with its fair share of potential pains and injuries. Join us in this episode as we...

07.05.2023

Keeping Pain Out Of Your Pickleball Game I Episode 38

If you’ve passed by a pickleball court recently, you are well aware of the popularity of the fastest-growing sport in the US - and the pain that often comes with it. Why are so many people getting hurt and what...

06.21.2023

A Common Spine Surgery Dilemma - Motion Preservation vs Fusion I Episode 37

Discovering that you require back surgery can be an overwhelming experience, triggering concerns and leaving patients uncertain about the most suitable procedure. Join Dr. Christopher Good, an esteemed Spine Surgeon at Virginia Spine Institute, as he unravels the contrasting aspects...

06.07.2023

Fitness Tips For Fathers | Episode 36

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...

05.24.2023

4 Back Products That Are Game Changers I Episode 35

You see ads for products everywhere promising to heal and cure your back and neck pain. But figuring out what products really help work out muscles and ease pain can be difficult. So in this episode, we sit down with...

05.10.2023

How Water Therapy Supercharges Recovery | Episode 34

Aquatic therapy can be a game changer for people suffering from back pain, chronic pain or other injuries. How does it work? And is it right for you? We hear from a patient and an expert on this unique treatment. ...

04.26.2023

When One Injury Leads to Another I Episode 33

When you’re healing from one injury, the last thing you want is to injure something else! But casts, braces, and crutches often throw off alignment, causing pain and strain in other parts of your body....

04.11.2023

Does Back Surgery Lead to a Lifetime of Problems? | Episode 32

Back surgery is supposed to alleviate pain, but some people fear it will do more harm than good. In this episode, we separate fact from fiction with spine surgeon Dr. Christopher...

03.27.2023

BFR Isn’t Just For Actors and Olympians: How It Helps With Healing Too I Episode 31

Actor Chris Hemsworth used it to pump up for Thor, and elite athletes use it to train. But did you know that blood flow restriction — or BFR —...

03.14.2023

From Sex To Suicide - How Deeply Back Pain Can Impact Your Life I Episode 30

From sex to suicide - there are deep impacts that back and neck pain can have not just on our bodies - but on our entire lives. Today’s guest is here to honestly talk about how back pain hijacked...

02.28.2023

The Doctor Overcomes His Own Disc Herniation I Episode 29

Today, we’re going to dive into what disc herniation is and how to prevent it …with a patient-turned-expert Spine Surgeon Dr. Colin Haines at Virginia Spine Institute. From teen athletes to older adults, disc herniation is...

02.21.2023

Treadmill Tips: Simple Ways to Stay Safe I Episode 28

Did you know, treadmills are the #1 cause of injury among home exercise equipment? When the weather outside gets cold, runners are often pushed inside on treadmills, and any runner will tell you — this is a very different form...

02.08.2023

Uncovering a Hidden Cause of Back Pain I Episode 27

It's time to talk about a little-known source of back pain that often goes overlooked. In this episode, Dr. Niteesh Bharara explains more about facet joints and answers your frequently asked questions. What are facet joints? What problems do...

02.01.2023

Is Your Peloton Hurting your Back? I Episode 26

There’s a reason why Peloton, and spin cycling in general, has become such a popular form of exercise. You can get in a great structured workout while having a competitive and motivational side to it. But just remember, introducing...

01.25.2023

Medical Mystery: One Mom’s Comeback Story I Episode 25

When you’re a mom, chronic pain is especially tough robbing you of the things and people you love. Today’s guest, Paula, was a fitness enthusiast who ran and cycled with her family. Then, Paula underwent back surgery, and nothing...

01.18.2023

The Surprising Way Fat Injections Reduce Back Pain I Episode 24

When most people think of fat and their bodies - it’s in the context of losing it. But did you know fat injections can be a great option for patients with back pain who are looking to...

01.12.2023

A Doctor’s Healthy Habits I Episode 23

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...

12.14.2022

Tips to Avoid Back Pain During Couch Potato Season I Episode 22

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...

12.05.2022

Patient Perspective: Choosing a Surgeon who Minimizes Risk I Episode 21

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...

12.01.2022

Medical Research Findings: Reducing Opioids After Back Surgery I Episode 20

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...

11.16.2022

Tips to Avoid Pain Caused by the Post-Pandemic Workspace I Episode 19

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...

11.01.2022

Natural Nonsurgical Alternative to Shoulder Surgery - Stem Cell Therapy I Episode 18

More and more people who suffer from injuries and joint pain in the shoulders are turning to platelet-rich plasma or PRP - which is a form of regenerative medicine. Just like stem cell therapy - these...