What to Do When Pain Takes Over Your Holiday Plans
Chronic orthopedic pain can make holiday activities like cooking, shopping, or celebrating uncomfortable or impossible. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, an injury, or a degenerative condition, seeking care early can help you enjoy the festivities pain-free and prevent your issue from worsening.
Consider these steps for prioritizing your health so you can focus on making joyful memories.
See a Specialist
The first step in enjoying a pain-free holiday season is to see a doctor who specializes in orthopedic or pain issues. Your evaluation will likely include an imaging test like an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan so the specialist can assess your condition, diagnose the root cause, and recommend appropriate treatment.
Follow Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Your doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs. This plan might include one or more of the following:
- Medications: Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or prescriptions for stronger pain relief
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to make your muscles stronger, improve movement, and reduce pain
- Injections: Shots that reduce inflammation or help your joints move more smoothly
Try Non-Surgical Options
Non-surgical options can help you manage pain without requiring invasive procedures.
Massage therapy can help relax your muscles and ease tension, while small TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) devices machines use electrical nerve stimulation to block pain signals to the brain.
Make Lifestyle Changes
Simple changes to your daily habits this holiday season can significantly impact your chronic orthopedic pain:
- Watch Your Weight: Carrying extra weight puts stress on your joints, especially in your knees, hips, and back. Losing even a little weight can help you reduce pain.
- Practice Good Posture: Maintaining proper alignment when sitting, standing, or lifting can alleviate extra stress on your joints and spine.
- Stay Active: Doing low-impact activities like walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga can help keep your body strong and flexible without increasing your pain.
Use Relaxation Techniques
Chronic pain can be stressful, and stress can often make your pain feel worse. Relaxation methods like meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness can help you feel calmer and more in control. Talking to a counselor or trying cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) — which involves reframing negative thoughts and developing coping mechanisms — can also help you handle your pain better.
Consider Advanced Treatments
If your pain doesn’t improve with other methods, more advanced options might help. Surgery, like a joint replacement, spinal fusion, or arthroscopy could be an option if you have a severe condition. New treatments like stem cell therapy are also being explored for some conditions.
Lean on Your Support System
Living with chronic pain can feel lonely, so stay connected with supportive friends, family, or peers who understand your challenges. Joining a local or online support group can give you emotional encouragement and practical advice.
Stay Proactive
Managing chronic pain takes time and patience. Work with your doctor to regularly review your treatment plan and adjust it as needed. Be willing to try new treatments and techniques to find what works best for you.
You don’t have to wait until after the holidays to get the orthopedic care you need. At Direct Orthopedic Care (DOC), we offer the fastest and most cost-efficient orthopedic care available — all at a fraction of the cost of an emergency room visit. Click here to book an appointment in Austin or Southlake.
