Get Back To Your Life

Get Back to Your Life is on the road this week — recording on location at VSI in Reston, VA with Dr. Christopher Good, spine surgeon and VSI President. In this episode, we explore a revolutionary approach to recovery: oxygen therapy and the use of hyperbaric chambers in spine surgery and regenerative medicine.   Recovery after surgery is often the most difficult part of a patient’s journey. But what if healing could be faster, safer, and more complete — simply by delivering more oxygen to the body? Dr. Good shares his firsthand experiences, both as a surgeon and a patient, and explains why VSI is leading what he calls the “Recovery Revolution.” You’ll hear not just about the cutting-edge science of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, but also how VSI is rethinking every stage of recovery — planning it as carefully as the surgery itself.   Listeners will learn: Why oxygen is becoming the next big buzzword in recovery and healing What it’s like to step into a hyperbaric chamber (spoiler: it looks like sci-fi) How oxygen under pressure can deliver 400% more oxygen to your tissues The role of hyperbaric therapy in reducing pain, inflammation, and risk of complications after surgery Real patient success stories, from faster wound healing to improved sleep and nerve recovery The safety considerations and who should (and shouldn’t) use this therapy Why planning recovery before surgery is just as important as the procedure itself How VSI is pioneering a new model of patient care that blends technology, therapy, and proactive recovery  Listen now: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify Watch the full episode on YouTube by searching “VSI Spine” Find additional expert resources & support at VSISpine.com

The Recovery Road: Navigating Life After Spine Surgery | Episode 81

If you’ve been diagnosed with Bertolotti syndrome, or suspect it may be the source of your pain, this episode is your lifeline. Whether you're searching for treatment options, understanding what a Bertolotti resection surgery is, or wondering why your chronic low back pain has been dismissed for years, this doctor-patient conversation delivers real answers. Dr. Colin Haines, a nationally recognized spine surgeon and one of the few true experts in Bertolotti syndrome, joins us to explain this misunderstood condition, caused by a pseudoarticulation between the L5 transverse process and sacrum, and why so many patients are misdiagnosed or ignored. You'll also hear from Janel, a patient who endured years of unrelenting pain, countless failed treatments, and emotional exhaustion until she found Dr. Haines. Her journey from hopelessness to healing through personalized diagnosis and a successful Bertolotti resection procedure is proof that hope is not lost. 🔎 What you’ll learn: How Bertolotti syndrome causes lower back and leg pain Why it’s often overlooked by doctors The difference between fusion vs. resection surgery How to identify red flags and advocate for yourself What recovery and life after resection surgery can look like Whether you're desperate for a second opinion, searching for new pain-relief solutions, or looking for a Bertolotti syndrome specialist, this episode will empower you with knowledge, resources, and the reminder: you are not alone - and your pain is real. 🎧 Listen now: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify Learn more or request a consultation at VSISpine.com

Migraines affect more than 1 billion people worldwide, but despite their prevalence, they’re too often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and dismissed as “just a bad headache”. The truth? Migraines are a complex, invisible, and many times disabling neurological disorder.   VSI neurologist Dr. Ella Akkerman brings clarity and compassion to this conversation, breaking down symptoms, triggers and solutions for migraines / migraine sufferers.   Drawing from her vast experiences as a neurologist, mother, and migraine sufferer herself, Dr. Akkerman shares vivid insights into how migraines impact daily life—from the sensory overload to the silent suffering, and why they affect women and children at disproportionately high rates. From lifestyle strategies and stress management to cutting-edge medications and wearable technologies, Dr. Akkerman offers a hopeful, actionable roadmap for patients ready to reclaim control and live life on their terms.    Keep listening to learn: What migraines really feel like, and why they’re so often misunderstood Common triggers (like stress, hormones, sleep disruptions, and more) Red flags that require urgent medical attention The latest in migraine treatments How to recognize early warning signs Medications, devices, and lifestyle strategies that work   You don’t have to suffer in silence. Help is here. Let this episode be a powerful first step.   Listen now: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify Watch the full episode on YouTube by searching “VSI Spine” Find additional expert resources & support at vsispine.com

Is stress making your pain worse, or is your pain elevating your stress? What if the answer is both? This episode unpacks the powerful mind-body connection between chronic pain and mental health, bringing light to the invisible ways they interact. Because here’s the truth: mental health and physical health are deeply connected; and when one suffers, the other often does too. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, VSI Neurologist, Dr. Ella Akkerman, and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Yash Mehta, dig into the hidden ways emotional experiences like burnout, anxiety, grief, and trauma don’t just live in your head—they also echo throughout the body as tension, fatigue, migraines, chronic pain, and more.  Get ready to learn:  How emotional distress can speak through the body as physical pain Why so many people suffer in silence, and how to change the narrative What real, healing conversations between doctors and patients can look like Actionable ways to care for both your mind and body—starting today If you’re living in pain that no one seems to understand, this conversation offers clarity and validation and will arm you with practical tools to take the next step.   The body keeps score, and recognizing that connection is the first step toward experiencing relief.  Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app Watch the full episode on YouTube by searching “VSI Spine” For additional support and resources visit vsispine.com

It’s 2025, and women are still fighting to be believed, especially in medicine. From being told “it’s all in your head” to waiting years for a real diagnosis, many women know the silent sting of being dismissed. This experience has a name: medical gaslighting — and it’s more common than you might think.  In this powerful episode of Get Back to Your Life®, we meet Jakki, a VSI patient, mental health counselor, former athlete, and mother of three who endured 24 years of pain, misdiagnoses, and blatant medical dismissal. But Jakki refused to accept “there’s nothing wrong.”  Her story is a testament to persistence: when no one could explain her pain, she enrolled in radiology courses just to read her scans. Eventually, she found her answer — and her healing — through a diagnosis of Bertolotti Syndrome with Dr. Colin Haines at VSI. This is a breakthrough story for women everywhere. Jakki’s comeback story is one of strength, self-advocacy, and breakthrough — not just in her body, but in a system that too often turns down the volume on women’s pain. In this episode, you’ll learn: What medical gaslighting looks and feels like Why being dismissed can be so dangerous How to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system The signs that it’s time to seek a second opinion How persistence - and the right doctor - can change everything Whether you, too, have been talked over, brushed off, or are still searching for your own answers, this episode will stay with you. This is a story about validation, self-advocacy, hope and most importantly….solutions. And it demands to be heard. Listen now: Apple Podcasts | Spotify You can now watch this full episode on YouTube Find additional expert resources & support at vsispine.com

Still in pain after spine surgery? You’re not alone - and more importantly, you're not out of options.   In this powerful episode, two of the nation’s top spine surgeons — Dr. Christopher Good and Dr. Ehsan Jazini  — dive into one of the most challenging realities in spine care: when surgery doesn’t fully relieve the pain.   They’ll uncover why post-surgical pain can persist, the overlooked causes, and the most effective next steps for long-term relief. From innovative treatments to holistic approaches, this episode is about helping you understand what’s happening and how to take control of your health and make a full recovery.   Most importantly, failed spine surgery doesn’t mean you failed. And it doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. With an accurate diagnosis, a supportive recovery plan, and a surgeon who listens, you can stop spinning in pain cycles and start moving toward lasting relief.   With over three decades of combined experience diagnosing some of the most complex conditions and performing revision surgeries, Dr. Good and Dr. Jazini get to the root causes surgery doesn’t always meet expectations, and they map out new solutions to help you reclaim your quality of life. In this episode, you’ll learn: What “failed spine surgery syndrome” is (and how it’s often misunderstood) Red flags to watch for during recovery The importance of the patient-doctor relationship Why expectations and communication matter as much as the procedure itself How to know when it’s time for a second opinion What to ask your surgeon before surgery How a collaborative spine care model helps patients get back to their lives—even after surgery has failed them elsewhere   Whether you’ve had spine surgery and are still in pain—or are trying to make the best decision about what to do next—this episode is honest, hopeful, and designed to help you take back control.    Listen now: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify Watch the full episode on YouTube by searching “VSI Spine” Find additional expert resources & support at vspineinstitute.com

If you’ve been stuck in the endless loop of trying everything for your low back pain—with no lasting relief—this episode is for you. You’ve done the massage guns. The YouTube stretches. The painkillers. Maybe even acupuncture, back braces, or chiropractors. And yet... your back still hurts. You’re not imagining it. You’re not weak. And you’re definitely not alone. Lower back pain affects 1 in 4 American adults and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. But here’s the real problem: most people are chasing temporary fixes that never get to the root cause of their pain. And in the process, they’re losing time, money, energy—and hope. In this episode of Get Back to Your Life®, Dr. Yash Mehta, Interventional Spine & Sports Medicine at VSI, cuts through the noise. He breaks down what the latest research actually says about back pain treatments, and why many commonly recommended remedies just don’t hold up when it comes to lasting relief. You’ll learn:  The real reason your pain keeps coming back  Why so many common back pain treatments fail—and what to try instead The habits that will actually help you protect your spine for the long haul How to tell if your back pain is something more serious What it actually means to treat the root cause of chronic back pain When it’s time to stop experimenting and start seeing a spine specialist If you’ve been told to just live with it—or worse, that it’s all in your head—don’t miss this.  Listen now: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify For more information on lasting back pain solutions, visit us at VSISpine.com.

You work hard, stay active, and make healthy eating choices—sounds like the perfect formula for wellness, right? But what if skimping on sleep is holding you back? Poor sleep habits could be silently sabotaging your energy, performance, and overall health. In this episode, Dr. Thomas Nguyen, a leading expert in sleep science, reveals the crucial role sleep plays in recovery, longevity, and optimal well-being. Tune in to learn how better sleep can supercharge your health and help you reach your full potential! Sleep is the foundation of our health, affecting everything from productivity to recovery and pain relief. But did you know that poor sleep can make you feel more pain? It’s true—sleep deprivation triggers inflammation, heightens sensitivity to aches and pains, and slows recovery. The good news? Small changes can make a big difference. In this episode, Dr. Thomas Nguyen, Interventional Pain Specialist at VSI, reveals why your sleep hygiene and creating the ultimate sleep environment matter more than you think! From hidden pain triggers in your sleep environment to simple tweaks that lead to better sleep, less pain, and even improved daily function, Dr. Nguyen shares which small upgrades can unearth big wins for your health. Does sleep really affect pain tolerance? When is it time for a new mattress or pillow? How many hours of sleep do you actually need? The one thing you can change tonight for better sleep Tune in for Dr. Nguyen’s expert sleep strategies to help you wake up refreshed—not wrecked. You won’t want to snooze on this episode! Listen now: Youtube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify Find additional expert resources & support at VSISpine.com

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 be beautiful and inviting but…it can also wreak havoc on your back!   In this episode, Dr. Colin Haines, a top spine surgeon at VSI reveals the hidden traps of seasonal back pain, from improper snow shoveling and icy slips to the impact of cold weather inactivity.   Learn game-changing tips to safeguard your spine, stay active, and avoid injuries all season long. Plus, uncover how plummeting temperatures and shifting barometric pressure can trigger stiffness and pain, especially for those with chronic back issues.   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!   Listen now: Youtube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify   For additional information and 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.

60 million kids take part in youth sports every year and at this point in the Fall sports season, many are starting to complain of pain. That’s because repetitive or overuse injuries, also called Pars injuries, are on the rise among young athletes and they can be debilitating.    They’re happening to athletes in just about every youth sport—football, cheer, dance, gymnastics, weight lifting, wrestling, rowing, figure skating, soccer, tennis, basketball, baseball, volleyball, and, as today’s guest found out…diving.    If your child is among those experiencing pain - what can you do about it? Can they continue in their sport? Will they have pain forever? In episode 66 we had two doctors from VSI answer those questions and in this episode we’re turning to a patient.   Matteo Vasiliadis had dreams of being a D1 diver when his pain got in the way of his plans at the age of 15. Jennifer Davis talked with him about his inspiring story of healing and recovery.    Listen now: Youtube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify   For additional information and resources, visit VSISpine.com.

Overuse injuries among young athletes are on the rise.  About 3 million young people are seen in hospital ERs for sports related injuries and another 5 million seek help from their primary care doctor or a sports medicine clinic. If your child is among those experiencing pain - what can you do about it?    We’ve got not one - but two doctors from VSI here today to talk about options. Dr. Colin Haines is a Spine Surgeon and Dr. Niteesh Bharara is Director of Regenerative Medicine. In this episode you’ll hear them talk about:   Why we’re seeing a rising number of overuse/repetitive injuries in young athletes What those injuries look like.  How rigorous practices and training schedules take a toll on young athletes’ bodies How to know when pain has become a serious health problem Surgical and non-surgical options to reduce pain and promote healing How to keep your child healthy and pain free in the sport or physical activity they love   Listen now: Youtube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify   For additional information and resources, 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 that have shown promising results in supporting spine health and accelerating recovery post-surgery… and the supplements most people should take every day.  Learn more about VSI at VSISpine.com

We often hear the advice – mind over matter.  But did you know there’s actually science to that? We’ve talked a lot in this podcast about surgical solutions to back pain… and in this episode we are exploring alternatives like mindset and meditation to help you recover from procedures and even manage pain.  What role does your mind play when it comes to physical pain – specifically back pain and even recovering from a procedure?  First we will hear from a patient who says mindset was pivotal in her recovery after spine surgery.  Then we’ll talk with VSI Spine Surgeon Dr. Christopher Good about benefits about why mindset is a game changer – and how you can alter yours.  Learn more about VSI at VSISpine.com