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

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!

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.

What if your mindset could be the missing link in managing pain and speeding up recovery? With life’s demands at an all-time high, mastering your mental game might be the key to staying strong and resilient.

We’ve all heard the phrase “mind over matter,” but did you know there’s science to back it up? In this episode, we’re shifting the focus from surgical solutions to explore how mindset and meditation can be powerful tools in managing back pain and enhancing recovery after spine surgery.

First, we hear from Bina, a patient who credits the strength of a focused mindset to her successful spine surgery recovery. Then, Dr. Christopher Good, Spine Surgeon and President of VSI, dives into the science behind how your mindset can significantly impact pain management and recovery.

Whether you’re practicing breathing techniques or getting started with meditation and mindfulness apps like Smiling Mind, Calm, or Headspace, discover actionable tips on how to harness your mental strength to improve your health outcomes.

Listen now: Youtube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

For additional information and resources, visit VSISpine.com.

Struggling with back pain while traveling? Whether you're a frequent-flyer, a business traveler, or planning your next vacation, back and body pain can disrupt any journey. In this episode of the Get Back to Your Life™ podcast, Dr. William Kemp, Neurosurgeon at VSI, shares practical strategies to stay pain-free on the road and in the air.

Join Dr. Kemp, Neurosurgeon, as he shares:

• Essential Tips for Road Trips: How to use frequent stops, phone mounts, neck pillows, and lumbar support to manage neck and back pain during long drives.
• Key Strategies for Air Travel: Effective methods for choosing the right luggage, staying active, stretching, staying hydrated, and maintaining good posture on flights.
• Managing Pain During Work Travel: Insights from Dr. Kemp’s personal experiences and advice on how to handle the physical demands of business travel.

Discover how to keep your back pain in check and make the most of your travels. Tune in for expert tips that will help you travel comfortably and pain-free.

Listen now: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

For more information and resources, visit VSISpine.com.

Welcome to the Get Back to Your Life™ podcast. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Colin Haines, a distinguished spine surgeon at VSI who is an expert in treating spine conditions and a holistic approach to patient care. Dr. Haines is here to shed light on the critical connection between spine health, back pain, and the foods we eat.

In this episode, Dr. Haines deep dives into the essential components of spine health, highlighting how nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy spine. He explains how certain foods can lead to chronic inflammation, exacerbating spine conditions and contributing to persistent back pain. You’ll learn about the best dietary choices to support spine health and reduce inflammation. Whether you’re looking to prevent back pain or manage an existing condition, Dr. Haines provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of inflammation, discussing how it can cause swelling, pressure on nerves, and degenerative changes such as disc degeneration and arthritis.

Tune in as Dr. Haines offers practical dietary tips to help you manage inflammation and support your spine. He will discuss the benefits of anti-inflammatory foods, including [omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, turmeric, and ginger], and provide advice on lifestyle changes that can improve your overall quality of life.

Dr. Haines' extensive knowledge and patient-focused approach make this episode a must-listen for anyone dealing with back pain, spine conditions or looking to improve their spine health through nutrition. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of how diet and inflammation are interconnected and what you can do to support your spine health.