VSI (Virginia Spine Institute)

Dr. Haines and his amazing team have given me my life back. I have Bertolotti's Syndrome and have suffered from advanced degenerative disc disease, debilitating spinal episodes, and chronic pain for nearly two decades. After four spinal surgeries addressing individual ruptured discs, my SI joints, and a failed Bertolotti's resection, I had lost all hope that living a normal pain-free life was even possible for me. Then I called VSI after doing extensive research on Bertolotti's experts in the U.S. I contacted VSI in early November 2025 and flew out for diagnostic tests within a month. After meeting Dr. Haines and his team in person, I knew he was my surgeon. He recommended a comprehensive approach to fixing my Bertolotti's pain and fixing three degenerated levels of my lumbar spine. I had a spinal fusion and artificial disc replacements on Jan. 20, 2026 and another Bertolotti's resection surgery on Jan 22, 2026. I had the most amazing and attentive care at Reston Hospital, and VSI has been checking in with me consistently to make sure I'm healing. I am already so much more mobile than I was before the surgeries, and I don't struggle with the debilitating pain that used to leave me physically and emotionally exhausted. As a mother, this has been especially important as I've been able to attend my kids' school events without having to leave early due to the pain. After nearly 20 years of being told by spine doctors that my spinal degeneration was inevitable and unfixable, Dr. Haines gave me hope. I unequivocally recommend VSI to anyone who is struggling with spinal issues, particularly issues that spine doctors seem to know little about. From the receptionists and PAs to the nurses and surgery/insurance specialists, I experienced the most efficient, supportive, and personalized care that I've ever had. I've already recommended VSI to a friend with Bertolotti's Syndrome, and I will be singing VSI's praises for the rest of my life! Thank you Dr. Haines and VSI!!!!! You all are my heroes!

Kellie Buford · Published March 4, 2026

Not to come across like a character in an ad, but VSI got me my life back. I'd been in pain for the better part of a year, with the past six months more acute. For three months, I couldn't sleep past 3 am because that was when the meds wore off. The team at VSI tried several approaches in order to avoid a surgical outcome, but ultimately there wasn't an option. Dr. Colin Haines performed what appears to be a perfect two-level disc replacement. The pain in my shoulder, the shooting flames down my arms, the pins and needles from neck to shoulder, and the random numbness were gone as soon as I came to. He described what he found as a "massive, massive herniation" that crimped the nerves, and he cured it. From the front desk to the PAs to the admins to the doctors, everyone I met there was friendly, responsive, and incredibly empathetic. Special shout out to Tricia Gore, who struck me as incredibly competent as a medical professional, but also is among the best listeners I've ever met. If you have the pain, you don't have to live with it. To be clear, it's certainly not inexpensive, but (and don't tell the billing department) I would've paid double what it cost to end the pain.

Roger Friedman · Published December 22, 2025

I have been under the care of Dr. Haines, Dr. Mehta, and their teams since February 2025 - I cannot recommend Dr. Haines, Dr. Mehta, or VSI more. They truly gave me my life back. In July 2025 I underwent scoliosis corrective spinal fusion surgery with Dr. Haines after experiencing debilitating and excruciating back pain for over 6yrs. Dr. Haines was the first doctor I’d encountered in those 6yrs who treated me like a human being and genuinely cared for my well-being and happiness. He listened from the very beginning, took me seriously, and really looked into all possible causes and solutions for my pain. He advocated strongly on my behalf when my insurance gave us the run-around, and ultimately performed my scoliosis corrective spinal fusion surgery that has truly given me a new lease on life, even at just 25yrs old. Dr. Haines is easily one of the best doctors/medical professionals I’ve ever encountered and the work he does truly saves lives. I count my blessings everyday that I found Dr. Haines. He’s also a Buffalo Bills fan which is just the cherry on top! Dr. Mehta, who helped me with pain management from the very beginning through post-op, is truly a wonderful doctor. He is incredibly understanding, informative, and is just overall a great person who truly cares about his patients and helping them achieve a pain-free life. From injections into various spots along my spine to medication management post-spinal fusion, Dr. Mehta has been a wonderful doctor to work with and I couldn’t recommend him more. Lastly, thank you to VSI as a whole for all that you do to help improve the lives of your patients. From the moment you set foot in the VSI offices, you are met with friendly staff that make your visit super smooth and enjoyable. From the reception staff to the medical teams to the administrative staff, I have never encountered anyone who didn’t seem genuinely happy to be working there and eager to assist in any way they could. Thank you!

Hannah Friend · Published January 20, 2026