If you live with chronic pain, the upcoming holidays may bring up more feelings of stress than joy — which is understandable. From colder temperatures to changes in your routine, a range of challenges can crop up that fuel your symptoms.
Here’s the brighter side: Staying ahead of those factors can provide a comfortable and pleasurable season. Our team is here to help.
Interventional pain specialist Dr. William Yancey and his Yancey Pain & Spine team in Houston and The Woodlands, Texas, work to determine the underlying cause of your pain. From there, they recommend customized treatment for relief that lasts.
Consider the following ways to manage your chronic pain and enjoy the holidays, too.
Whether you’ve received treatment for your chronic pain in the past or haven’t yet sought professional support, the run-up to the holidays is a wise time for a checkup.
At a comprehensive exam, Dr. Yancey and his team can assess your symptoms, pinpoint any missing diagnosis, and recommend a care plan to reduce your chronic pain symptoms.
Depending on the specifics of your pain and overall health, your plan may include oral or injected medication, physical therapy, or dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation. For chronic pain that doesn’t respond to conservative treatment, we offer spinal cord stimulation.
A busier social calendar through the holidays shouldn’t come at a painful cost. Rather than skimp on sleep, which worsens chronic pain, aim for 7-9 hours per night. Try to keep your bedtime and waking time consistent, and sleep in a dark room. Leading up to bedtime, avoid digital screens and bright lights.
Other healthy habits that may ease your chronic pain include eating an anti-inflammatory diet, containing foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish, and engaging in approved exercise routinely.
Doing what you can to manage stress can help, too. One study showed that breathing exercises reduce chronic low back pain in people who have mobility problems.
Having chronic pain doesn’t mean you can’t attend holiday gatherings, but you may need to shift your expectations. If you assume you’ll be able to party hearty or ski as vigorously as you used to, you could be in for disappointment and more pain.
Instead, have a plan ready to leave engagements early, if needed. Have your own transportation in place, for example. If diet plays an important role in your pain management, make sure you have nutritious, flavorful options at parties.
If you’re invited to an event that seems outside of your comfort zone in terms of your pain, suggest an alternative. And pack a small bag with aids, like medication, to bring with you on the go.
For personalized chronic pain support, call your nearest Yancey Pain & Spine location in Houston or The Woodlands to schedule a consultation with Dr. Yancey. You can also use our convenient online booking tool to request an appointment.
