It’s the most wonderful time of the year! If you’re not dealing with chronic pain, of course. The holidays are here, and you may start to feel overwhelmed thinking about all of the physically demanding activities that automatically come with the holiday season. From last-minute errands to extra travel and everything in between, the holiday rush can really take a toll on your body and the pain you already live with. At the Chronic Pain Institute, we understand what you are going through and would love to help you navigate this time. If you are looking for chronic pain treatment in Flower Mound, Bedford or Benbrook, TX, to support you during this Christmas season, then we’ve got you covered.

 

Ways to Handle Chronic Pain During the Holidays

It can be hard to figure out how to pick and choose what you want to do around the holidays. You don’t want to say yes to everything, because you know it can wear you down fast. So, how do you set realistic expectations for yourself and not feel like you are “missing out”? You know yourself better than anyone, and how much energy you can give to one activity or over a period of time. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Pick your “non-negotiables” (Christmas Eve dinner, the children’s choir concert, Christmas morning breakfast, etc.).
• Practice saying no (or “not this year”) to everything that falls outside of your non-negotiables list.
• Go to a gathering, but not for the whole time: attend for 60–90 minutes, not 3 hours, and leave while you still feel good.
• Plan on one “big energy” event per day. This could be wrapping presents or decorating a specific space in your house.
• Sleep, sleep, sleep. Even with the crazy schedule of the holidays, it’s important to keep a consistent bedtime/wake time within 30–45 minutes of what you would normally do.

 

Travel Tips for Cars and Planes

• Car: Make it a priority to stop every 60 to 90 minutes for a short walk to get your body moving.
• Plane: We recommend choosing an aisle seat that you can easily get up from to stand or stretch.
• Carry-ons: Shoot for something small that has wheels. Make sure to keep any medications and a water bottle within reach.
• After Arrival: Give yourself a short break before you go right into family time.

 

Focusing on Food

Food can play a big role in how we feel. Try these simple tips this season for your meals:

• Instead of eating heavy sides with the main entrees, eat vegetables or greens for a balanced meal.
• Enjoy sugar and salt, but watch portion sizes if these worsen your symptoms (inflammation or swelling).
• Make sure you don’t skip meals. This can affect your blood sugar, which can in turn affect your pain.

 

Ways to Beat the Cold Weather

We recommend trying these strategies to warm up before you go out:

• Fast walk around your house for 2–3 minutes to get your blood flowing.
• Wear layers that are easy to remove (overheating can also trigger discomfort).
• Wear comfortable shoes with traction and cushion to protect your joints.

 

Delegate, Delegate, Delegate!

It’s OKAY to spread out the tasks if you plan on hosting this holiday season.

• Plan a potluck instead of cooking everything. This will help alleviate some of the stress off of you and give your guests a chance to feel involved.
• Ask family to take care of the setup or cleanup.
• Have your groceries delivered to avoid going to the store.
• Buy a premade dish from your favorite restaurant if you don’t want to cook.

 

When to Call Our Pain Doctors

Reach out to our pain specialists if you notice:

• New, unusual, or rapidly worsening pain.
• Medication side effects (dizziness, stomach upset, mood changes).
• Sleep that’s consistently disrupted by pain.
• Pain that limits your basic activities like bathing, dressing, or walking across a room.

 

Pain Management, Flower Mound, Bedford & Benbrook, TX

If you need personalized support this holiday season, our doctors at the Comprehensive Pain Institute are here to help you find a plan that actually fits your lifestyle. We focus on YOU the person, and not just the pain. To schedule a visit, reach out today, and let’s make this your most manageable holiday yet. We look forward to caring for you!

Flower Mound, TX: 4101 Kirkpatrick Ln. Flower Mound, TX. P: 972-436-7531
Bedford, TX: 1305 Airport Fwy. Suite 302B. Bedford, TX 76021. P: 817-786-8238
Benbrook, TX: 9239 Vista Way, Benbrook, TX 76126. P: 817-737-3331