Latest news with #VSI
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
VSI Leads Groundbreaking National Study Showing Holistic Recovery Program Improves Spine Surgery Outcomes
Study of 50,000+ patients shows Enhanced Surgical Recovery protocol leads to faster healing, reduced opioid use, and fewer re-admissions after spinal fusion surgery RESTON, Va., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Spine surgeons at VSI® have led one of the largest nationwide studies of its kind, revealing that a more comprehensive, patient-centered approach to spine surgery recovery can lead to faster healing, reduced pain, and fewer complications. The research, which analyzed outcomes from more than 50,000 thoracolumbar spinal fusion cases by 1,352 surgeons at 138 centers across the US, validates the effectiveness of an Enhanced Surgical Recovery (ESR) program developed and implemented by VSI's expert team. This research was conducted in collaboration with the HCA Healthcare Spine Research Consortium. "Spine surgery has come a long way, but recovery is where the real transformation happens," explains lead author Dr. Christopher Good, MD, a spine surgeon and the president and CEO of VSI. "With Enhanced Surgical Recovery, we're not just performing successful surgeries; we're empowering patients to heal faster, use less medication, and return to their lives with fewer setbacks. This research proves that when we treat the whole patient, we achieve dramatically better outcomes." A New Standard in Spine Surgery RecoveryThe evidence-based Enhanced Surgical Recovery (ESR) program is a multiphase protocol designed to optimize patient outcomes before, during, and after spinal fusion surgery. It includes pre-surgical education, opioid-sparing anesthesia techniques, and early initiation of mobility and nutrition to accelerate healing and reduce dependence on medications. "This movement is about reimagining what it means to recover from spine surgery," spine surgeon and co-author Dr. Ehsan Jazini says. "We're proving that with the right preparation and post-op care, patients can recover faster, get back to life, and avoid unnecessary complications." Key Findings from the Research Study: Less Pain Medication: Patients in the ESR program used an average of 8 fewer morphine-equivalent milligrams per day. Shorter Hospital Stays: The average patient stay was reduced by nearly half a day (86 hours vs. 98 hours). Fewer Re-admissions: ESR patients had a significantly lower 30-day re-admission rate (5.8% vs. 6.7%), and for single-level surgeries, re-admissions dropped from 5.6% to just 4.2%. About Thoracolumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery:Thoracolumbar spinal fusion is used to stabilize the spine by permanently joining two or more vertebrae in the mid-to-lower back. It is commonly used to treat: Degenerative disc disease Scoliosis Spinal fractures Spondylolisthesis Spinal stenosis Tumors or infections of the spine This surgical procedure can significantly reduce pain, correct spinal deformities, and prevent further deterioration, but recovery is key to long-term success. About VSI:VSI (formerly Virginia Spine Institute), based in Reston, VA, is a nationally recognized leader in spinal healthcare, offering advanced surgical and non-surgical solutions tailored to each patient. With over 30 years of experience and more than 100,000 patients treated, VSI delivers proven outcomes through its personalized, concierge-style approach. For more resources and spine support, listen to the Get Back To Your Life® podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE VSI
Forbes
19-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The 6 Best Office Chairs For Back Pain To Reduce Stress On Your Spine
Research consistently shows that prolonged sitting can lead to back pain, and sitting on the wrong chair only makes the issue worse. If you're in the market for a new office chair to keep you ache-free at your desk, you need one that offers ample ergonomic support—particularly for your lumbar spine—to encourage healthy posture. Out of the best office chairs for back pain, our top recommendation is the Herman Miller Sayl Chair, thanks to its adjustable lumbar support and flexible design that helps your body maintain its natural alignment. If you're on a budget, consider the Mimoglad Ergonomic Office Chair—one Forbes Vetted writer credits its movable lumbar support and plush cushioning with reducing stiffness in her lower back. The best office chairs for back pain—including the Herman Miller Sayl—are especially effective at ... More keeping you supported and ache free. If daily aches have become your norm, investing in the right office chair is essential—especially for those who spend most of their day seated. "A poorly designed office chair encourages poor posture, which adds up over time," explains Dr. Ehsan Jazini of VSI. "When you're sitting eight hours a day, five days a week, a chair without proper spinal support can weaken your core muscles, which stabilize the spine and put pressure on the discs in your spine, which leads to back pain.' With this advice in mind, we rounded up the very best office chairs for back pain, including picks that staffers have been using for years. Herman Miller Dimensions: 24.5 x 19.8 x 34.8 inches | Materials: Nylon, elastomer, aluminum | Weight capacity: 350 pounds Herman Miller's Sayl is the best office chair we've tested, as you can easily customize it to fit your body and your style. It has an adjustable seat depth and optional lumbar support, so you can dial in exactly how much lower-back cushioning you prefer. Even the armrests give you choices: Pick fixed, height-adjustable or fully adjustable options, depending on your comfort (and your budget). And whereas most office chairs have rigid frames, the Sayl's back features a flexible elastomer design inspired by suspension bridges. The strands vary in tension to match your spine's natural curve, giving you firm support exactly where you need it without restricting movement. The Sayl also offers plenty of aesthetic variety, with six frame colors, 16 upholstery options and two caster types to suit just about any workspace. Reviews editor Anna Perling appreciates the Herman Miller Sayl's curved back, which "feels like a ... More hug," she says. What our editors say: Forbes Vetted reviews editor Anna Perling is a fan of the Sayl's adjustability and ergonomic support. 'The curved back support is somehow both firm and flexible; it feels like a hug for my back,' she says. 'Herman Miller also offers an awesome 12-year warranty, which made me feel confident in my purchase.' Amazon Dimensions: 16.5 x 21.7 x 44.9 inches | Materials: Mesh, nylon, foam | Weight capacity: 300 pounds You don't need to drop hundreds of dollars to ease your back pain while working. This top-rated pick lets you customize nearly every part of the chair, including lumbar support, headrest height, armrest positioning and even the angle of the backrest. Its breathable mesh back helps you stay cool, while the seat has four inches of cushioning for extra comfort during longer workdays. And unlike the limited color options typical for office chairs at this price, this model comes in nine different shades, from classic neutrals to more fun picks like Carrot Orange and Orchid. It's also protected by a five-year warranty, which is generous for such an affordable chair. Updates writer Alexandra Garrett, who has a history of back pain, appreciates the Mimoglad's ... More adjustable lumbar support and 4-inch cushion. What our editors say: Updates writer Alexandra Garrett, who shares that she has a history of back problems, says, 'I really appreciate the Mimoglad's adjustable lumbar support, wide headrest and 4-inch thick foam cushion. After several months, I've noticed that my lower back is less stiff at the end of the day.' branch Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 37 inches | Materials: Polyester knit, aluminum, foam, polyamide | Weight capacity: 275 pounds For those suffering from hip tightness and pain as a result of inadequate lumbar support or improper posture, the ergonomic Branch Verve Chair is a helpful option. You can adjust several of its components—including its seat height and depth, armrest height and the padded lumbar support—to make sure your spine is aligned in such a way that alleviates the strain on your hips. Specifically, you're able to move the lumbar support so your spine maintains its natural curvature, as well as adjust the seat to alleviate pressure on your hip joints. It doesn't hurt that the chair comes in an attractive, breathable knit fabric and six stylish colors. Senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold greatly appreciates how supportive the Branch Verve ... More Chair, especially for her back and hips. What our editors say: 'I love the amount of support this chair gives to my lower back and hips,' says senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold, who's been using the chair for over three years. 'During the work week, I sit in it for eight hours a day and never experience any aches or pain.' Amazon Dimensions: 25.6 x 22 x 45.3 inches | Materials: Mesh, steel, nylon | Weight capacity: 280 pounds This Gabrylly chair is specifically designed to ease pressure in your neck and back, with extra attention paid to the headrest. Unlike many chairs with stiff or barely adjustable head supports, this one tilts backward up to 45 degrees and moves vertically, letting you find a comfortable angle without awkwardly craning your neck. The chair also reclines between 90 and 120 degrees, so you can lean back easily to stretch or relax. Its armrests adjust smoothly up and down with a quick button press and even flip up completely if you prefer to move freely. Another nice touch: The breathable mesh back helps prevent overheating, which is ideal if your home office tends to run warm. What our experts say: 'Fixed or improperly placed armrests can lead to poor shoulder positioning—either causing shoulder elevation or slouching—both of which contribute to neck strain and overall postural fatigue,' says Michelle Davis, PT, DPT. She recommends looking specifically for chairs with adjustable armrests and headrests to minimize tension in your upper spine and neck. STeelcase Dimensions: 47 x 21 x 22.4 inches | Materials: Polyester, plastic, metal | Weight capacity: 400 pounds Considering how much time you spend in an office chair and the impact that has on your back, it makes sense that some may want to really splash out. If you have the money to spare and durability is of the utmost importance, the Steelcase Gesture is a worthy investment—and one that comes with a 12-year warranty. Like all the best office chairs, the majority of its features are customizable, including its seat height and depth, armrests (which rotate 360 degrees), recline and headrest. It's also designed to support your spine by mimicking its full range of motion. Choose from a huge range of upholstery options, including several handsome types of premium leather. The headrest is also noteworthy in its number of available adjustments: It can move vertically, tilt and rotate 90 degrees, so you can adjust it in a way that supports proper posture and reduces pressure on your spine. Deputy editor Dave Johnson appreciates how well the Steelcase Gesture supports his back regardless ... More of how he's sitting. What our editors say: Deputy editor Dave Johnson praises his Steelcase Gesture for how comfortable it is—especially for all-day use. 'It does a great job of supporting my back no matter how I'm sitting,' he shares. 'The armrests are so easy to adjust that I find myself moving them around a lot to accommodate whatever I'm doing instead of leaving them in one place like I have done with other chairs I've owned.' x-chair Dimensions: 29 x 27.3 x 48.8 inches | Materials: Top-grain or premium leather, aluminum | Weight capacity: 275 pounds This X-Chair option is a winning pick for those in the market for a handsome leather chair that doesn't skimp on back support. To start, it comes in three top-grain leather and two premium leather upholstery choices to add sophistication to your work space. But it's more than a looker—the X4 Executive Chair features a responsive Dynamic Variable Lumbar support, which adjusts to your body and movements, 4D armrests and a supple, foam-filled seat that's height- and depth-adjustable. For an additional charge, you can also choose to upgrade to 360-degree armrests, a heated massage cushion, a wider seat, locking wheels, memory foam cushioning and a chair that arrives fully assembled. Consumer tech editor Rebecca Isaacs likes her red X4 Leather Executive Chair's plush seating, ample ... More back support and adjustable 4D armrests. What our editors say: 'The X4 Executive Chair is so nice and comfortable to sit on,' says Consumer tech editor Rebecca Isaacs shares. While she found setup to be somewhat of hassle, she says she loves 'the plush seating and the support it provides my back,' as well as the armrests. If you're thinking of upgrading the chair, she recommends adding the headrest and locking wheels. At Forbes Vetted, our home editors spend hundreds of hours each year researching, testing and reviewing furniture and office gear, focusing on products that are both well-made and comfortable. Our remote team has personally used dozens of different office chairs, in addition to testing, researching and writing about the best office chairs of 2025. To find the best office chairs for back pain, we consulted four medical experts—including a board-certified interventional spine physician, an occupational therapist and two physical therapists—and carefully researched highly rated chairs from trusted furniture brands. We also relied on our editors' real-world testing and experience using these chairs daily. There's no one-size-fits-all office chair, especially when it comes to back pain. 'Every body and spine is unique,' says Dr. Ehsan Jazini. 'Beyond looking for one specific chair, it's more so important to find a chair that best fits the contours of your individual body.' He recommends focusing on chairs that support your spine's natural curve and allow for small adjustments throughout the day, including lumbar support, adjustable seat depth and height and armrests positioned so your elbows rest comfortably at a 90-degree angle. Our top overall pick, the Herman Miller Sayl, is a great fit for most people because it includes all these key adjustments. Another excellent option is the Branch Verve, which we like specifically for its ability to ease tension in the hips and back. If you specifically struggle with lower back pain, prioritize chairs with adjustable lumbar support—ideally adjustable vertically and in depth—to closely align with your natural spinal curve. Jazini cautions that seat depth also matters: 'A seat that's too deep can push against the back of the legs or force you to sit too far forward, both of which shift the pelvis out of alignment and strain the lower back.' Chairs with a slight recline or tilt function also help reduce pressure at the spine's base. Our top recommendation for lower back pain is the X-Chair X4 Leather Executive Chair, thanks to its responsive lumbar system. For a more affordable alternative, the Mimoglad Ergonomic Office Chair also offers adjustable lumbar support. And perhaps most importantly, taking regular breaks to get out of your office chair to stretch and walk can help alleviate strain. To reduce lower back pain, position your chair so your lower spine stays fully supported, which helps you maintain a neutral posture. Dr. Pola Ham, occupational therapist and professor at Touro School of Health Sciences, explains that a chair should "have proper lumbar support that meets the curve of your lower back," and stresses the importance of adjusting seat height, back angle and armrests to help you stay in a neutral position rather than compensating. Ideally, your knees should be level with or slightly below your hips, your feet should be flat on the floor and the seat depth should be adjusted so your back comfortably touches the chair without pressure behind your knees.
