Resources

New Validation Institute Report Affirms Vori Health Care Model Reduces Surgery While Improving Outcomes

When you solve a problem at its root, you get better outcomes. We built our award-winning, patient-centered care model for MSK conditions upon this premise, and we are thrilled to report the revalidation of its clinical outcomes from the Validation Institute.

Top 3 Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Why They’re Important

Omega-3 fatty acids reel in a lot of attention. They are key components of a healthy diet. Understanding how they work and where to find them will help you maximize their nutritional power.

Dr. Ryan Grant (Co-founder and CEO, Vori Health)

Feeling Inflamed? Understand Why + 5 Foods that Can Help

Inflammation is a hot topic, literally. As we understand this process and its triggers, research continues to suggest that lifestyle modifications—especially what we eat—can help either feed or quiet the fire.‍

Vori Voice Podcast, Ep. 1 – What does integrated care have to do with the future of medicine?

As the tides of healthcare shift to value-based care, Integrated Practice Units, or IPUs, are having a moment in the spotlight and for good reason. Studies show they can improve outcomes for a spectrum of clinical conditions from Parkinson’s disease to back pain.

What's Your Brain Got to Do With Pain?

Pain can be a lot of things—stabbing, severe, unrelenting, sudden, aching, nagging…to name a few. We use many words to describe it, and we each talk about it differently. That’s because pain is a deeply personal experience, influenced by much more than just physical changes to your body. Your thoughts, emotions, relationships, experiences (including any prior pain or trauma) all play a big role in how you perceive and cope with pain. Understanding how pain works can help you take control of your symptoms and feel a whole lot better.

Dr. Ryan Grant, Founder and CEO of Vori Health shares an innovative approach to musculoskeletal care through technology

A Comprehensive Guide to Knee Pain

Your knees bear a lot of your body’s weight – and the causes of knee pain can vary depending on your age, activities, and overall health. Luckily, knee pain can get better without surgery or injections! This guide can help you understand what you are experiencing and the best ways to treat your pain.

Back pain is a human problem. See how we treat it.

Back pain is a human problem. See how we treat it.

How a Team Approach Helps Lower Pain

Guess how much traditional medical care (like going to see a doctor) influences your health? Experts say only 11 percent! It’s actually your daily habits—like how much you move, what you eat, how you cope with stress, and more—that make the biggest impact on how you feel.

Founder's Story: Building the Future of Better Care

I have often been asked why I left the comfort and security of my successful career in academic medicine to co-found Vori Health with my amazing partner, Ryan Grant, MD. The answer is simple: I am a doctor committed to helping people lead healthier lives, and I often struggled to do this in our traditional healthcare system. As an orthopedic surgeon, I like to fix broken things. But repairing such substantial flaws in our traditional system required building something new—something better.

4 Healthy Habits to Practice for a Better Night’s Sleep

Proper rest is foundational to your health and well-being. Just like everything else in life, successful sleeping habits take practice and commitment. Most adults need six to eight hours of quality shut-eye per night; if you fall shy of these requirements, try these tips to start sleeping better—as soon as this evening.

In Search of Health Equity: How Digital Health Measures Up

Digital health solutions stand at the center of many of health equity discussions. The ability to connect with the right clinicians from home ungates convenient, cost-effective, and high-value treatment for hundreds of thousands of patients who normally would struggle to access care.

Is my MRI normal?

Even if your MRI shows changes in your spine, like a disc bulge, it can still be considered "normal." Many people walk around with disc changes unknowingly: If you asked a group of pain-free individuals over the ages of 30 years to get an MRI of their spines, at least 30 percent would have bulges or herniations, explains Dr. David Woznica, Director of Clinical Medicine at Vori Health.

My parents complain about being in pain—​how can I help them?

Caring for elderly parents can be an uphill climb.​​ But the best thing you might be able to do is lift your parents up and out of their chairs. Studies show that adults 65 years of age and older (a large group that makes up 16.5 percent of the US population) spend 65 to 80 percent of their waking time sitting. This sedentary state is toxic—deteriorating all aspects of our elders' health from the strength of their hearts to their sense of independence (Galloza, 2017).​​

I’m training for my first triathalon—​ what should I eat on race day? ​

Just like you map your training routes, it’s a good idea to plan your game day diet. ​“Timing and pairing of nutrients and fluids make all the difference when training for an endurance-type race,” says Christi Bowling, a registered dietitian nutritionist and director of nutrition at Vori Health.

Don't Get Burned on the Courts: An ER Doctor's Approach to Avoiding Strains and Sprains

‍Dr. Jim Fiechtl, Sports Medicine Physician at Vori Health, and Jared Aguilar, host of the Vori Voice and Physical Therapist at Vori Health, share an avid pickleball player's road to recovery for his ankle injury as well as exercises to help folks stay strong and flexible on—and off—the courts.

2024 Trends and Predictions in MSK Care

2024 is fast approaching, meaning it’s time to look back and reflect on the wins, losses, and emerging trends that defined 2023 and will shape the musculoskeletal (MSK) industry in the coming year. Read on for what value-based care strategies Vori Health co-founders, Ryan Grant, MD, and Mary O'Connor, MD have to share.

A Comprehensive Guide to Low Back Pain

Low back pain is one of the most common types of joint pain worldwide, and most of us will experience it at some point in our lives. While this may sound concerning, it shouldn’t be! Most episodes of low back pain are short-term and low risk. This guide will provide some insight into low back pain, so you are better prepared to manage an episode, should it occur.

5 Exercise Tips to Relieve Osteoarthritis Pain

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects many of us—one in four adults in the United States deals with it daily. If you have this common condition, you may also follow the common misconception that your days of being active are over. But this is simply not the case. One of the best things you can do for an arthritic joint is to get moving!

Quantifying the Total Savings of Telehealth for Employees

Telehealth has proven to be a significant cost-effective care model for not only employers, but employees as well. With the right virtual solution, employers can bring significant savings and effective MSK care right to their employees’ fingertips.

WholeHealth Living to Partner with Vori Health to Provide Industry Leading Musculoskeletal Solution

Ground-breaking partnership set to deliver a new standard of multi-disciplinary care for back, neck, hip, knee, shoulder pain, and more.

Understanding CBD: Does it Work for Muscle and Joint Pain?

Nowadays, you can’t go anywhere without seeing or hearing something about cannabidiol (CBD). There are so many options—creams, tinctures, salves, lozenges, gummies, you name it—and so many potent claims for its benefits, including muscle and joint pain relief.

An Onion a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Onions are a vital ingredient in many dishes we enjoy. Sure, they may be a little stinky, and they may make us cry when we slice them, but science shows they may be worth all that extra effort. Not only do onions pack a lot of flavor, they can improve your health and help relieve your muscle and joint pain, too.

Do Older Adults Embrace Digital MSK Care?

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are the top causes of physical disability around the world and can impair function at any stage in life. But as the risk of developing muscle and joint pain increases with age, older adults make up a disproportionately large part of the affected population.

Keto, South Beach, Paleo—​ which diet will help me lose the most weight?

With so many diets on the table, it’s easy to get caught up in their different weight-loss claims. ​Instead of analyzing food fads pound for pound, we first recommend understanding how they work. “While many fad diets may help you lose weight, they can also be restrictive,” says Christi Bowling, a Vori Health Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

3 Ways to Cut the Path from MSK Pain to Opioid Addiction

In honor of Pain Awareness Month and Opioid Awareness Day, Vori Health and Ophelia are teaming up to spread awareness of the connection between chronic pain and opioid addiction. Opioid-related overdose deaths have more than doubled in the last six years. The trend is expected to continue, especially as many patients with opioid addiction have struggled to access FDA-approved medications for treatment such as buprenorphine.

Firefly Health & Vori Health Partner to Improve Musculoskeletal Specialty Care

Vori Health and Firefly Health launch strategic partnership to deliver better MSK care, costs, and outcomes.

To Lower MSK Costs, First Drive Value to the Patient

Value-based care initiatives can only be sustainable if patient outcomes are a top priority. By carefully assessing the impact of solutions on patients, the healthcare industry as a whole can work towards reducing the cost of care while delivering meaningful value.

MSK Savings: 5 Reasons Why Medical Doctors Are the Missing Piece

Despite various targeted solutions designed to alleviate rising costs caused by inappropriate MSK care, employers have yet to see a significant shift in their MSK spend—leaving them puzzled. The missing piece? Physician-led care at the forefront.

5 Steps to Getting Your Parents Started on a Home Exercise Routine

As we age, it gets harder to get in the physical activity we need to stay healthy. Add in the stay-at-home constraints of a pandemic, and the challenge inclines even more. While you may have altered your routine to get your exercise in, your parents might still be lacking the physical activity they need.

Vori Health Receives URAC Accreditation as a Credentials Verification Organization

Vori Health sets new bar of excellence in MSK industry by earning URAC accreditation as a credentials verification organization (CVO).

What can I do to protect my back?

Research suggests certain foods can worsen inflammation. ​If you are battling inflammation from a condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis, Christi Bowling, a registered dietitian nutritionist and director of nutrition at Vori Health, recommends limiting the following foods:

Vori Health and Contigo Health Partner to Pioneer Industry-Changing, Integrated Surgical and Non-Surgical Orthopedic Care Solution

Vori Health, a nationwide virtual-first specialty medical practice and industry leader in the treatment of muscle and joint pain today announced a partnership with Contigo Health, a health benefits platform that leads direct-to-employer and direct-to-provider relationships, to create a comprehensive musculoskeletal (MSK) benefit solution.

6 At-Home Exercises to Help Prevent Falls

If you or a loved one have experienced a fall this year, you're not alone: Each year, approximately three million older adults in the United States are treated in the emergency room for fall injuries. Falling is also the leading cause of injury death for adults 65 and older. In 2019, falls among this age group caused over 34,000 deaths. Unfortunately, falling once doubles your chances of falling again.

Lowering the Cost of MSK Care with Telemedicine

Over the past three years, the healthcare industry has experienced several paradigm shifts that have fundamentally reshaped our approach to medical care. One of these key shifts is the rise of telemedicine. What started as a necessary alternative to traditional in-person care during the pandemic has now become a staple in the healthcare system.

How Does Virtual Physical Therapy Work?

Physical therapy (PT) is a powerful way to relieve pain, but coming into the clinic isn’t always convenient. Busy schedules crop up, unexpected family issues arise, and other obstacles get in the way. But now, just like you can grocery shop and bank online, you can do physical therapy from the comfort of home, too.

Accessing Your Vori Health Account

Will certain foods help me run faster?

Bravo on getting out there! While we can’t promise a personal record, we can help fuel your journey. ​Whether you’re a professional or weekend warrior, what you eat makes a difference to your athletic performance, says Christi Bowling, a Vori Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). “An athlete’s dietary requirements depend on several aspects, including the sport, goals, environment, and practical issues,” says Bowling.

All About Knee Pain: Expert Insights and Solutions on Arthritis

Dr. Mary O'Connor, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer at Vori Health, walks the audience through the story of a patient dealing with arthritis, as well as the science behind it and ways to combat it.

How Effective Health Benefits Keep Your Team Happy

While 2021 may have been labeled the year of the “Great Resignation,” 2022 proved to be a more volatile year for employers across the nation. Over 50 million employees quit their jobs in 2022, topping 2021’s record-breaking resignation rate by nearly 3 million employees—and this trend is only expected to continue. Now more than ever, employers must evaluate the key internal forces pushing their employees to either stay in their current roles or leave in the hopes of finding a better position.

Vori Health & Allstate Benefits Partner to Increase Access to Musculoskeletal & Orthopedic Specialty Care

Vori Health & Allstate Benefits Partner to Increase Access to Musculoskeletal & Orthopedic Specialty Care

7 Ways a Health Coach Can Transform Your Life

Have your wellness goals been sitting on the shelf collecting dust? Do you feel stuck when you try to change your habits? How many times have you wished you had someone to hold you accountable and keep you motivated? A health coach believes in you and helps you discover, clarify, and align with your goals. A health coach helps you get unstuck and motivates you to make sustainable changes in your everyday life that get you to your vision of health. Health coaches are key members of our clinical Care Teams at Vori Health and one of the top reasons why members love their experience here.

Bright Spots in Healthcare Podcast

Healthcare leaders from Blue Shield of California, CareSource, UT Health Austin and Vori Health discuss the importance of adopting a whole-person approach across the broader healthcare experience to maximize value, drive healthy behavior change and ensure more equitable care. Learn how to develop an integrated whole-person solution framework and implement strategies to support members with chronic and high-risk conditions.

I work with a computer every day. ​ How should I deal with my neck and shoulder pain?

We feel you, more and more with each word we type! Most humans share your plight and know the discomfort of tech neck (or text neck)—the aches and pains that arise from staring at a screen.

Bright Spots in Healthcare Podcast: How Innovators are Addressing GLP-1s, Obesity, & MSK Care

Healthcare leaders from Independent Health, Evry Health, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, and Vori Health discuss GLP-1s and their role in addressing the global challenge of obesity while considering the crucial aspect of musculoskeletal (MSK) health. Learn innovative, multidisciplinary strategies you can implement to complement lifestyle interventions and other therapeutic approaches in your organization.

Driving More Value in MSK with Integrated Hybrid Care

As the tides of healthcare shift to value-based care, Integrated Practice Units, or IPUs, are being viewed with increasing interest and optimism. And for good reason. Studies show this model of healthcare delivery—which brings an interdisciplinary care team together under one roof to treat a specific medical condition—can drive value for a spectrum of clinical conditions from low back pain to Parkinson’s disease.

Value-Based MSK Care to Combat Overspending on Chronic Conditions

Ryan Grant, MD, CEO & Co-Founder of Vori Health and David Lechner, MD, VP Healthcare Delivery & Chief Medical Officer at BCBS of Montana discuss Value-Based MSK Care to Combat Overspending on Chronic Conditions.

Vori's Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder Mary I. O'Connor, MD, FAAOS, Recognized for Lifelong Diversity Advocacy Efforts by AAOS

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) presented its 2023 Diversity Award to Mary I. O'Connor, MD, FAOA, FAAHKS, FAAOS. The Diversity Award recognizes members of the AAOS who have distinguished themselves through their outstanding commitment to making orthopedics more representative of, and accessible to, diverse patient populations.

What is an anti-inflammatory diet anyway?

Food can be a powerful medicine when it comes to fighting inflammation. Having an anti-inflammatory meal provides a healthy balance of macronutrients all while meeting the body’s needs for vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water.

My knees pop every time I go up and down stairs – is that bad? ​

You describe one of the most common noises associated with the knee. The crunching, grinding, and popping you may hear is called crepitus. Not only can you hear the grinding in your knee, but you may also ‘feel’ it, too. ​The most common source of these knee noises is your patellofemoral joint—where the back of your kneecap (your patella) connects with your thigh bone (femur), explains Jim Fiechtl, MD, a sports medicine physician at Vori Health. “Grinding can happen here as a result of some roughness of the cartilage behind your kneecap,” Dr. Fiechtl says. “Crepitus is most noticeable when the knee is bent, such as when squatting, kneeling, or going up and down stairs.”

Freeing an Aging Population from Pain

The United States population is aging quickly—a change driven by a booming segment of older adults (age 65 and above), which recorded the fastest growth rate in the past 10 years since the late 19th century. This shift has huge implications for healthcare. The industry must quickly determine how to handle dramatic upswings in utilization rates stemming from age-related conditions.

5 Foolproof Ways to Eat Healthy During the Holidays

The holiday season is here, which means fun-filled festivities, time with family and friends, and food—lots of food! While making memories should be top of mind, it’s also important to keep an eye on your nutrition this time of year, especially if you are struggling with back, knee, or joint pain.

Making Medicine More Human

Bright Spots in Healthcare Podcast: Navigating the Intersection of Health Equity and Chronic Care

Esteemed leaders from Vori Health, CVS Health, Florida Blue, and Highmark delve into the impact of health equity on chronic care. They not only shared strategies and solutions to enhance healthcare accessibility but also shed light on specific programs they have successfully implemented to bridge the health equity gap in chronic disease prevention and treatment.

5 Things You Can Do to Prevent Falls at Home

Our home is no longer just a place to live, sleep, and eat—it has also become our office, gym, yoga studio, school, playground, and everything in between. As a result, adults of all ages—especially older adults—now spend considerably more time at home. Just as we child-proof rooms when a toddler begins to roam, it is important to consider measures to prevent falls from older members of our household, too.

What do discs do, ​other than cause problems?

Your intervertebral discs are round cushions in your back. Sandwiched in between the bones of your spine, they absorb the shock of each step you take.​ Your discs are often likened to a jelly doughnut as they have two layers: an inner jelly-like filling (the nucleus pulposus) and a tougher, outer casing (the annulus fibrosus).​

Are Standing Desks Worth the Hype?

While reading this, are you hunched over a screen, forming a human question mark with your back, shoulders, and head? If so, staying in this position will eventually cause pain by stressing the muscles in your neck and putting pressure on your lower back. Standing desks have risen in popularity as a remedy to this growing epidemic of poor sitting posture. But are they worth the hype?

Share Your Vori Story – Penny

Patients are the heartbeat of Vori Health. Listen to Penny's story to hear how Vori Health helped her find relief, as well as her favorite parts about the care journey.

How Employers Can Cut the Costs of MSK Care

As national healthcare expenditures balloon into the trillions, a closer look reveals musculoskeletal (MSK) care to be a leading contributor to skyrocketing costs.In 2019 alone, MSK care totaled almost $253 billion nationwide, pushing employers to contribute even more to employee health plans.That same year, MSK care accounted for approximately 31 percent of total employer medical expenses, according to a National Business Group on Health report.

What does the word herniation mean?

My cartilage is going away and I have bone-on-bone. Is it too late to prevent knee replacement surgery?

Although pictures usually paint a thousand words, your x-rays are not the most powerful part of your joint replacement story—even if they show bone-on-bone. "We treat the patient, not the x-ray," explains Jim Fiechtl, DO, a sports medicine physician at Vori Health. “The right time to have joint replacement surgery, even if you are bone-on-bone, depends on important factors like your age, overall health, and quality of life."

Pearl Health Partners with Vori Health to Provide Virtual-First Musculoskeletal Care to Medicare Beneficiaries

Pearl Health and Vori Health partner to improve back, neck, and orthopedic care for Traditional Medicare patients and simplify access to appropriate, evidence-based care.

Pickleball Safety 101: Avoiding the Most Common Injuries on the Court

Pickleball has gained fame as America’s fastest growing sport. On the flip side, it’s also received some recent sour press nationwide for its soaring injury rates and related healthcare costs totaling nearly $400 million annually.

Why do I need integrated care for back pain?​

Your everyday lifestyle plays an important role in your back pain. Stress, sleep, diet, and more can all affect the pain you feel. This is why we practice a biopsychosocial (or whole-person) approach to back care. We understand that your health is not measured by a single x-ray or lab result, but shaped by a combination of your biology (bio), mindset (psycho), and relationships (social). We work together as a team to see you as a whole person, not just a body part.​

Sensors vs. Sensorless: Which Tech Wins at Member Engagement?

Conflicting responsibilities and inconvenient timing top the list of reasons countless patients cite for skipping in-person PT sessions. Without easier access to a consistent physical therapy program, patients position themselves for suboptimal outcomes which often lead to long-term, higher-cost care.

How Our Health Coaches Take a Stand Against Breast Cancer

For breast cancer awareness month, we asked a few of our health coaches to share the ways they take a stand against this disease. Read on for their recommended cancer-fighting recipes, inspirational reads, and more.

What are the worst foods for inflammation?​

Research suggests certain foods can worsen inflammation. ​If you are battling inflammation from a condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis, Christi Bowling, a registered dietitian nutritionist and director of nutrition at Vori Health, recommends limiting the following foods:

Ophelia and Vori Health Partner to Address Pain Management for Patients with Musculoskeletal Conditions

Ophelia and Vori Health partner to improve access to high-quality, safe opioid use disorder (OUD) care services for patients suffering from chronic pain and opioid addiction as well as people in recovery who are looking for opioid-free MSK care.

Virtual and In-person Musculoskeletal Healthcare Company with Ryan Grant

I have a friend who just had back surgery. Will I need back surgery?

Good news: While a disc injury can be a literal pain, it also has a high chance of healing without surgery. In a study of nearly 400 individuals with disc herniations, more than 90% healed with non-surgical treatment. ​Even though the first-line treatment for most disc injuries does not involve surgery, it is still important to see a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms, because some rare cases require emergency care.

My dad has stenosis in his lower back. ​Why does he feel better when he bends forward?​

To learn why bending forward feels better for your dad, let's first do a quick anatomy lesson. ​The word "stenosis" means a narrowing. It can occur in many passageways in the body (you may have heard of a stenosis in a blood vessel or a heart valve, for example). Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the canal formed by the body's interlocking vertebral bones. Stacked one atop of the other, these bones form a passageway (known as the spinal canal) through which the spinal cord runs.

How to Understand Arthritis and Not Fear It

Wisdom and wrinkles are not the only things we can acquire with age. For many of us, arthritis is a part of getting older, too. A lot of confusion and fear can surround this diagnosis—here are some ways to better understand and manage it.

Evaluating the True Cost of Self-Diagnosis in MSK Care

The explosion of internet accessibility opened doors to endless opportunities for learning and discovery. However, what began as an effort to improve healthcare literacy grew into what we now know as “Dr. Google”—a search-engine-based framework fueling self-diagnosis.

What is the Total Cost of MSK Care and Why Does It Matter?

As the U.S. healthcare system grapples with near-astronomical levels of medical spending, all eyes are turning to musculoskeletal (MSK) care as a top driver of these costs. While many concerted efforts have been made to decrease MSK spend, such as the shift to outpatient surgical facilities, reference-based pricing, centers for excellence, travel surgery programs, and in-home patient care, the best approach may be one that gets back to the basics. How do we accurately identify each key player contributing to the total cost of care and leverage that data to inform our cost-saving strategies?

TelePT Connections Podcast with Mark Milligan

Are the arches in my feet falling? ​

The arches of your feet are architectural feats! They absorb shock, helping you stand tall and strong with minimal effort. But just like iconic arches around the world, the arches of your feet can also fall or collapse over time, says Jim Fiechtl, MD, a Vori Health sports medicine physician. In addition to age, other factors like injuries, arthritis, weight gain, and pregnancy can also cause fallen arches (also known as flat feet or pes planus). “You can also blame your parents,” Dr. Fiechtl says. "Some people are born with fallen arches. There is a genetic component that rarely skips generations.”

How Diet, Weight, and Exercise Impact Your Knee Pain

Many older adults suffer from sore, painful knees caused by osteoarthritis. Increased weight and obesity are two of the main risk factors for developing this condition. People who are obese are several times more likely to develop painful knee arthritis during their lifetime, as compared with non-obese individuals. Thankfully body weight is a risk factor that can be improved to not only help prevent arthritis in the first place, but also lower pain if this condition starts to develop.

Bulging, slipped, ruptured—what’s the difference between all these terms?​

If you're confused by all the ways to describe a disc injury, you’re not alone! Several years ago, a task force of spine specialists sat down to simplify the terminology. As a result, there are just two main types of disc issues: herniations and bulges. Like a herniation, a bulge is an injury that changes the shape of a disc and can inflame nearby structures; but, unlike a herniation (where one part of the disc pushes through a tear), a bulge refers to a general enlargement of the disc’s edges (the whole disc appears swollen). ​

I have a herniated disc. Can I ever pick up my child again without pain?

Although disc injuries are common, their outlook is promising. With standard treatment (a combination of pain control, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy), most people with disc injuries heal without surgery.

Can what I eat help my pain?​

Yes—especially if you eat the rainbow! Studies show that eating anti-inflammatory foods (think berries!) and taking certain supplements (hey, Vitamin D!) can lower pain from musculoskeletal injuries.

I've spent so much money and time on imaging. Is it necessary?

Surprisingly, no: Most people with low back pain do not need imaging studies (x-ray, MRI, etc). Unless there are signs of a serious issue, studies show there is no benefit to looking inside the human body for a cause of low back pain.

5 Proven Ways to Relieve Back Pain without Pills or Procedures

Almost everyone experiences lower back pain at some point in their lives. Luckily, lower back pain usually gets better and is unrelated to a serious medical problem. Most individuals who develop back pain do not need to be treated with pills or procedures.

I have four herniated discs in my back. I did physical therapy—now what?​

We’re sorry to hear about your struggle with disc herniations.​​ If you have not already done so, be sure to get a thorough medical evaluation to confirm your diagnosis. Disc changes are a natural part of the aging process—which is why many people who get an MRI find out they have disc herniations. In some people, these herniations cause pain, and in other people, they are silent. It’s important to speak with a medical provider about your symptoms to rule out any other potential causes.

You can't tell me what is causing my back pain?​

If you have the most common type of low back pain—known as non-specific back pain (NSBP)—then, the answer is a frustratingly hum-drum: “No, not specifically.” ​ Also known as a back strain, sprain, mechanical pain, or lumbago, NSBP makes up the vast majority—about 90%—of all low back pain cases.

What to Expect from Your First Visit

From your first visit, you’ll notice the Vori difference. You'll find all the resources to get better in one place, so you can save time and focus on getting back to doing what you love faster.

Getting Set Up for Your Video Visit

Your first visit at Vori Health is different! You'll meet with a doctor-led care team ready to listen to what matters to you. Here’s how to get the most out of your clinical evaluation.

3 Things Teachers Can Do in the Classroom to Avoid Back Pain

Teaching is a selfless profession, in more ways than one. Although it does not seem like a physical job, the endless dedication and day-to-day demands can add up on the body. All the hours of standing, sitting, bending, and shuffling to various activities puts teachers at risk for developing muscle and joint problems—most notably low back pain. The good news is that simple solutions are within reach. Read on for ways teachers can improve how they feel and protect their bodies for years to come.

Defining and Optimizing Member Engagement in MSK Care

Every musculoskeletal (MSK) care initiative aims to boost member involvement, yet achieving sustained, quantifiable upticks in utilization and member contentment remains elusive for most. The path to enhancing engagement commences with establishing a connection between benefits and members, fostering trust along the way.

I am so tired and exhausted. Where do I even begin to fix things?​

When you're dealing with back pain, it's hard to focus your attention anywhere else. But, other factors in your life may be worsening your symptoms, if not causing them. ​For example, research shows high stress and a poor diet, among other lifestyle factors, increase your risk for injuries to your discs (the cushions in between the bones of your back). To effectively treat your back pain, your care should include more than just a prescription for your back, explains Holly Krymis, Vori Health's Director of Behavior Change & Health Coaching.

The Role of Virtual and Hybrid PT in the Future of MSK Care

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s the importance of high-value, accessible healthcare. By shifting visits from offices to online platforms, the pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth and opened doors to a different kind of care—one that prioritizes member satisfaction above all else.

Searching for the Truth in MSK ROI Calculations

With healthcare costs continuing to balloon into the new year, employers and plans should challenge their vendors and solutions to determine the true value of their programs. While improvements in program satisfaction and qualitative outcomes are helpful indicators, the only way to perform a concrete analysis is by tracking return on investment (ROI).

Powerful Positive Thinking: Take 5 Steps to Improve Your Health

If you’ve ever spent a day striving to be optimistic—to see your glass as half-full instead of half-empty—you may have noticed your mood lift and your body relax. Those feel-good sensations are not just in your head. In fact, practicing positive thought can improve your health—and research proves it.

The Physical Pain of Grief: 4 Things You Can Do To Help

Grief is a precious gift. It helps us shed layers and get in touch with our more human, authentic, and vulnerable selves. And although grief is a natural part of the human experience, it is also one of the most challenging things we go through as people. Many people think of grief as one-dimensional—as only an emotional experience. But grief is actually a powerful, multifaceted, and typically uncontrollable response to a personally painful or traumatic event that can affect us not only emotionally but also physically. Here we will examine some of the physical symptoms that arise from grief and how to overcome them.

I was just diagnosed with pre-diabetes. What can I do to get better? ​

If you have pre-diabetes, you are not alone: Approximately 88 million adults in the United States have this diagnosis. ​​With pre-diabetes, a person’s blood sugar levels are above normal but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a serious health condition that can progress to type 2 diabetes as well as increase your risk for heart disease and stroke—but it doesn’t have to.

B is for Back Pain: The Impact of Musculoskeletal Issues on Teachers

Teaching is one of the most honorable professions in society. Educating our children to become productive members is one of the keys to our society’s success. But this tremendous effort takes a toll. To do their jobs, teachers face a startingly high risk of developing both physical and mental health conditions. And, many times, these two tolls compound each other.

MSK Care: Employer Strategies to Address The Highest Cost Low-Hanging Fruit

Hear Vori Health CEO Ryan A. Grant, MD, MBA, FAANS and David Essary, President of Allstate Benefits, discuss the rising costs of MSK care, why the delivery of care model matters, and how to compare the different offerings in the market for employers/plans.

Fixing Musculoskeletal Pain Without Addictive Opioids

Musculoskeletal pain is the leading contributor to disability in the world, including missed days of work. Musculoskeletal pain is also the primary reason opioids are prescribed, often inappropriately. Despite well-published guidelines encouraging non-opioid treatments, 21.5% of patients are currently prescribed opioids at their initial visit for musculoskeletal (MSK) pain.

Why Medicine Needs to Be Re-Humanized

The Ripple Effect of Mental Health on Pain and Productivity in the Workplace

Every employer has witnessed firsthand the detrimental impact that musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and mental health conditions have on workplace productivity—but what happens when an employee suffers from both? The answer is clear: higher healthcare costs and lower quality of work.

The Comprehensive Employer’s Guide to MSK Solutions

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions remain the top one or two high-cost claims for employers. With healthcare costs on the rise again, companies are looking for better ways to contain these sky-high costs while still improving outcomes for their employees. We canvased the MSK care landscape to breakdown the key components needed to drive engagement, outcomes, and savings.

When Pain Divides Us: Solving Inequitable Access & Outcomes

For many demographics, musculoskeletal (MSK) problems are a major cause of disability and lower quality of life. However, not everyone with MSK issues feels the same amount of pain.

Managing Musculoskeletal Pain in Older Adults

With nearly one in four Americans soon to be in the senior age bracket, clinicians and payers alike are narrowing their focus on optimizing care for the health conditions that disproportionately impact older adults. And for the majority of stakeholders, the spotlight shines directly on musculoskeletal (MSK) pain.

Pain & Opioids: How Inappropriate Care is Fueling a National Crisis

Hear Vori Health CEO Ryan A. Grant, MD, MBA, FAANS and David Essary, President of Allstate Benefits, discuss the rising costs of MSK care, why the delivery of care model matters, and how to compare the different offerings in the market for employers/plans.

Integrating GLP-1s into the Future of MSK Care

Obesity and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions impact a major portion of the American population. With glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists (GLP-1s) rapidly transforming obesity care as well as bottom lines, it's more important than ever for employers and payers to consider strategies for sustainable impact.

Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Mental Health to Treat MSK Pain

Hear Vori Health CEO Ryan A. Grant, MD, MBA, FAANS and David Essary, President of Allstate Benefits, discuss the rising costs of MSK care, why the delivery of care model matters, and how to compare the different offerings in the market for employers/plans.

Finding and Redirecting MSK Members to Doctor-Led Care with Predictive Analytics

As the healthcare industry transforms into a more data-driven landscape, predictive analytics emerges as the tool of choice for employers and health plans looking to improve care and lower costs. But finding members further upstream in the MSK patient journey is only part of the solution. Redirecting members to appropriate, physician-led medical care plays an equally important role in driving high value.