Dr. Lopez's tips for managing chronic pain during the holidays
The holiday season should be a time of joy, connection and celebration. But for the millions of Americans living with chronic pain, the holidays can feel overwhelming. Between travel plans, family gatherings, and disrupted routines, managing pain becomes even more challenging during this busy time of year.
Dr. Edrick Lopez, a double board-certified, Harvard-trained interventional pain management physician at DFW Interventional Pain Institute, understands these unique challenges. With years of experience helping patients manage back pain, joint pain, neck pain and migraine headaches, Dr. Lopez has developed practical strategies specifically designed to help you navigate the holiday season more comfortably.
This guide offers eight expert-backed tips to help you manage chronic pain during the holidays, plus information about innovative treatments that can provide lasting relief. Remember, living with pain is not your only option—there are effective ways to take control of your symptoms and enjoy the season.
Understanding chronic pain
Chronic pain affects over 50 million adults in the United States, making it one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. Unlike acute pain that serves as a warning signal for injury, chronic pain persists for weeks, months or even years beyond the normal healing time.
At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, Dr. Lopez treats a wide range of chronic pain conditions, including persistent back pain, arthritis-related joint pain, neck pain from poor posture or injury, and debilitating migraine headaches. These conditions can significantly impact your daily activities, sleep quality, and overall well-being.
The good news is that effective pain management strategies exist. Through advances in medication and therapeutic practices, Dr. Lopez and his team help patients develop comprehensive treatment plans that address both the physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain. The goal isn't just symptom relief—it's helping you live your best life.
Dr. Lopez's tips for managing chronic pain during the holidays
Tip 1: Maintain a routine
One of the most effective ways to manage chronic pain is sticking to your regular schedule, even during the holidays. Your body thrives on consistency, and disrupted routines can trigger pain flares.
Try to maintain your normal sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same times. Eat meals at regular intervals, and don't skip your usual exercise routine entirely. If you normally take pain medications at specific times, set reminders to stay on schedule despite holiday distractions.
Tip 2: Practice stress management
Holiday stress can significantly worsen chronic pain symptoms. The pressure to create perfect celebrations, financial strain from gift-giving, and family dynamics can all contribute to increased tension and pain levels.
Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine. Deep breathing exercises, meditation and gentle yoga can help calm your nervous system and reduce pain perception. Even five minutes of mindful breathing can make a difference. Consider downloading a meditation app or following along with online guided sessions to use mindfulness to your advantage when dealing with chronic pain.
Tip 3: Stay active
It might seem counterintuitive, but gentle movement is one of the best ways to manage chronic pain. Regular activity helps reduce stiffness, improves circulation and releases natural pain-relieving endorphins.
During the holidays, focus on low-impact exercises that you can easily fit into your schedule. Take short walks after meals, do gentle stretches while watching holiday movies or try chair exercises if mobility is limited. The key is consistency—even 10-15 minutes of movement daily can provide significant benefits.
Tip 4: Be mindful of diet
Holiday foods can be delicious, but some may contribute to inflammation and worsen pain symptoms. Foods high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and trans fats can trigger inflammatory responses in the body.
Focus on maintaining a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, berries and nuts. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. While it's okay to enjoy holiday treats in moderation, pay attention to how certain foods affect your pain levels and adjust accordingly.
Tip 5: Seek support
Don't try to manage chronic pain alone during the holidays. Connecting with family, friends or support groups can provide emotional relief and practical assistance.
Be honest with loved ones about your limitations and needs. Most people want to help but may not know how. Whether it's assistance with cooking, cleaning or simply having someone to talk to, social support plays a crucial role in pain management.
Tip 6: Plan ahead for travel
Holiday travel can be particularly challenging for people with chronic pain. Long flights, car rides, and sleeping in unfamiliar beds can all trigger pain flares.
Pack all necessary medications in your carry-on luggage, and bring extra supplies in case of delays. Plan frequent stops during road trips to stretch and move around. Research your destination to locate nearby pharmacies or urgent care centers if needed. Most importantly, schedule an appointment with Dr. Lopez here at DFW Interventional Pain Institute before your travel dates to discuss strategies specific to your trip.
Tip 7: Limit holiday stressors
It's easy to overcommit during the holidays, but saying yes to everything can worsen chronic pain symptoms. Set realistic expectations and boundaries to protect your health.
Learn to say no to commitments that will overwhelm you. Delegate tasks to family members or consider simplifying traditions. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the holidays, not exhaust yourself trying to create perfection.
Tip 8: Stay hydrated
Dehydration can contribute to muscle cramps, headaches and increased pain sensitivity. During busy holiday schedules, it's easy to forget to drink enough water.
Keep a water bottle nearby and sip regularly throughout the day. Limit alcohol and caffeine intake, as both can contribute to dehydration. If you're traveling by plane, drink extra water to combat the dehydrating effects of air travel.
Innovative treatments and therapies
While these lifestyle strategies can significantly help manage chronic pain, some patients benefit from professional medical interventions. At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, Dr. Lopez offers cutting-edge treatments that can provide lasting relief.
After a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and medical history, Dr. Lopez and our team develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient's lifestyle and desired outcomes. These holistic approaches may include physical therapy, psychological therapy, occupational therapy, medications, non-surgical procedures and surgical referral when appropriate.
Two innovative treatments that have shown remarkable success include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and Botox therapy. PRP injections use your body's own healing components to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair, particularly effective for joint pain and certain types of back pain. Botox, while commonly known for cosmetic uses, has proven highly effective for treating chronic migraines and certain muscle-related pain conditions.
Take control of your holiday season with our team DFW Interventional Pain Institute
Managing chronic pain during the holidays requires planning, patience and the right support system. By implementing Dr. Lopez's expert tips—maintaining routines, managing stress, staying active, being mindful of diet, seeking support, planning for travel, limiting stressors and staying hydrated—you can significantly improve your comfort level during this special time of year.
Remember that professional help is available when you need it. Our team at DFW Interventional Pain Institute has helped thousands of patients develop effective strategies to reduce pain and improve their quality of life. Don't let chronic pain steal your joy this holiday season.
If you're ready to take control of your pain and explore comprehensive treatment options, schedule an appointment with Dr. Lopez and our team. Through personalized care and innovative treatments, they can help you develop a plan that allows you to fully participate in the activities and celebrations that matter most to you, especially around the holidays.
