How to Create a Pain Management Plan for the New Year

At Summit Health and Pain, which has locations across Colorado, our team is committed to helping patients take control of their health, including managing chronic or recurring pain that can interfere with daily life. The start of a new year is the perfect time to reevaluate your pain management strategy and set goals that support your long-term well-being.

A personalized pain management plan can make a big difference in your quality of life. Here’s how to get started.

Evaluate where you are now

The first step in creating a pain management plan is understanding your current pain experience. Ask yourself:

Where is the pain located?
How frequent and intense is it?
What activities make it worse or better?
What treatments have you tried?

Keeping a pain journal for a week or two can help you track symptoms, identify triggers, and notice what seems to help. It also gives our care team a clearer picture of your daily experience and helps guide your next steps.

Set realistic, specific goals

Pain management doesn't always eliminate your pain completely. More often, it focuses on improving function and quality of life. Ask yourself what it would mean to feel better.

Your goals might include walking for 10 minutes each day without pain, getting through a full night’s sleep, reducing your reliance on certain medications, or returning to a favorite activity. Whatever your goal, make it measurable and time-based so that you and your provider can track progress over time.

Build a comprehensive approach

The most effective pain management plans use a combination of treatments tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. We guide patients through a range of options that work together to reduce pain and support long-term health, including:

Medication management

Medications can play a key role in managing pain by reducing inflammation or calming overactive nerves. Our team helps you identify which medications are right for your condition and ensures they’re used safely.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy can help you rebuild strength, improve flexibility, and regain mobility, especially after injury or surgery. A customized therapy plan targets the areas that need support and helps you move with less discomfort.

Lifestyle changes

What you eat, how much you sleep, and your activity level all impact your body’s ability to manage pain. Small changes in diet, weight management, hydration, and rest can lead to noticeable improvements. Our team can help you build daily habits that reduce inflammation and support overall health.

Behavioral health support

Chronic pain often takes a toll on your emotional well-being, and mental health conditions like anxiety or depression can make pain feel worse. Incorporating therapy or stress management strategies into your pain management plan can help you build resilience and cope with both the physical and emotional effects of pain.

Know your options

Depending on your diagnosis and comfort level, our Summit Health and Pain provider may talk to you about:

Injections or nerve blocks
Anti-inflammatory medications
Topical treatments
Low-dose antidepressants or medications for nerve pain
Complementary therapies like acupuncture or massage

Understanding the risks and benefits of each option helps you make informed choices that align with your goals.

Schedule regular follow-ups

Pain management is a process. As your body changes or your goals shift, your plan should adapt. Set regular appointments to check in with our team, report any new symptoms, and make updates to your treatment plan.

We work with patients across Colorado to create pain management strategies. If you’re ready to start the new year with a plan that supports your well-being, contact us at Summit Health and Pain to schedule a visit. A better year begins with better care.