Get Back To Your Life®

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 have an extraordinary story of two friends who had each other's back in a big way. By leaning on each other, both found help from Spine Surgeon Dr. Colin Haines for excruciating neck is...

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 sit down with the renowned "Golf Doctor" himself, Pain Specialist  Dr. Thomas Nguyen . Not only does he treat competitive golfers and weekend warriors, but he's also...

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 can you do about it? Dr. Colin Haines - a spine surgeon at Virginia Spine Institute, and a pickleball player himself, is serving up answers.  He's got plentiful tips to keep you from gettin...

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 of two common approaches: traditional spinal fusion and motion preservation procedure (disc replacement). This enlig...

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 si...

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 Spine Surgeon Dr. Ehsan Jazini to talk about his four favorite game-changing products to minimize and ease back pain. They include massagers and posture correctors, plus one item you...

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.  Learn more about VSI at SpineMD.com .

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 part s of your body. Neurosurgeon Dr. William Kemp knows th is from personal and professional experience. Hear about his experience after being injured playing kickball and how this initial foot injury led to low back...

Back surgery is supposed to alleviate pain, but some people fear it will do more harm than good. In this episode, we separat e fact from fiction with spine surgeon Dr. Christopher Good.   To learn more about this topic, go to SpineMD.com .

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 — is also a tool in physical therapy ? Could this new treatment be right for you?    Learn more about the healing power of BFR at  SpineMD.com

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 her life - and how she came back from it with the help of the spine specialists at Virginia Spine Institute.     Learn more about what to do about life-altering back pain -- visit: VirginiaSpine.com .

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 common and excruciating. The injury can make it difficult to move and even breathe. Today's guest knows that pain firsthand. Dr. Haines was a high school soccer player when h...

Did you know, t readmills 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 of exercise than running on pavement. So what do you need to keep in mind when it comes to back health and treadmills?  Whether you're new to exercise or a fitness veteran,...

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 they cause? And what can you do about it?    Learn more about facet pain and solutions to resolve your pain - visit: VirginiaSpine.com

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 a new fitness routine or increasing your fitness routine can come with negative effects if not done properly.   In this episode, Spine Surgeon Dr. Colin Haines shares w...

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 went as planned. The unsuccessful surgery relegated Paula to a walker -- until she found a doctor willing to listen. That led her to find  Dr. Christopher Good , Spine...

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 avoid surgery?   Dr. Niteesh Bharara, Director of Regenerative Medicine at the Virginia Spine Institute enlightens us in this episode.    Learn more about this topic and other helpful spine tips at VirginiaSpine.co...

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. Chris...

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 SpineM...

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 h...

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...

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 are procedures that allow the body to heal itself. Dr. Niteesh Bharara, Director of Regenerative Medicine at Virginia Spine Institute is here to talk about stem cell therapy as an alternative to shou...

SI joint problems can be tricky to diagnose. Although imaging is a diagnostic tool, X-rays alone can't fully identify the problem. Another problem in this area is that while the injury wasn't well known for some time, now - thanks to an over-abundance of so-called 'treatments', it's actually over-diagnosed and now you can find an endless list of offerings to 'cure' your back pain. So what really w...

Sacroiliac or SI joint dysfunction i s the source of up to 1/4 of all back pain. But while it can be debilitating for many - finding relief isn't always easy. Kathryn Butterfield knows this firsthand.   Her life was full of so much pain because of SI joint issues that she was nearly incapacitated until she got her diagnosis and found regenerative medicine treatments that worked for her.   Now she'...