The new year represents a fresh start, a time to plan and tackle new goals and projects. Self-improvement is a popular category from which to draw resolutions, and if you’ve had problems with pain in the last 12 months, you may be looking to make 2026 pain-free.
Dr. James Nassiri and our team at Westside Pain Specialists have suggestions for your pain management goals in the new year. Consider some or all of these four strategies as you form your resolutions for 2026.
Even if you have chronic, degenerative conditions causing your pain (such as osteoarthritis), the recuperative properties of restful sleep can play a key role in managing the pain you feel as part of your disorder.
Sleep also reduces the symptoms of stress, a common adjunct to chronic pain.
Sleep hygiene is the fast track to this no-cost restorative practice, and it’s compatible with any other pain-relief modality. It means establishing a bedtime routine that’s consistent with a healthy sleep cycle.
Set a carved-in-stone bedtime target, and cease all screen activity an hour before. Keep your bedroom dark and on the cool side, and target 7-8 hours of sleep time nightly.
Moderate amounts of low-impact physical activity provide a baseline of aerobic fitness as well as keep your body limber with inflammation under control. You don’t need a daily gym routine.
Aim for 15-30 minutes per day, three to five times a week, doing activities like walking, swimming or cycling. Even when joint pain is part of the problem, movement helps to ease inflammation and pain.
Eating well is a constant struggle between the flavors you love and the nutrient support you need. Aim for a resolution that targets these priorities:
Eliminating or moderating alcohol intake is also an effective inflammation-fighting strategy.
Health is a whole-body endeavor, an aspect of your life that changes over time. Your ability to react to your body’s changes, including recognizing new pain and seeking support when you need it is crucial to wellness.
You’ll have setbacks. Accept them, get back on track, and forgive yourself when you slip up. When you need pain management assistance, count on us at Westside Pain Specialists. Call the nearest of our three offices to arrange a consultation today. We’re located in Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, and Rancho Cucamonga, California.
