More than 64 million adults dealt with chronic pain in 2024. For people living with chronic pain, the holiday season can feel exhausting and overwhelming instead of jolly and fun. Between family gatherings, shopping, cooking, and traveling, the demands of the season can amplify pain and fatigue. As a friend or family member, you may feel unsure about how to best help.
Here at Pain Management Specialists, serving Rockville and Frederick, Maryland, our team sees firsthand how small acts of support can make a big difference. With a little planning and care, you can help your loved one experience more comfort, and joy this holiday season.
Instead of assuming what your loved one needs, ask them. Chronic pain is a complex condition that varies from person to person. Some days may be better than others, and what’s helpful one week may not be the same the next.
Checking in and asking how your loved one is feeling about the upcoming get-together is an excellent place to start. Consider following up by asking what you can do to make it easier for them. This shows that you care, and that you’re listening. These conversations set the stage to put plans into action and reduce pressure for everyone.
Holiday traditions can be meaningful, but they can also be physically demanding, especially for people coping with chronic pain. Hosting large dinners, traveling long distances, or spending hours on your feet at a holiday market may not be feasible for someone managing pain.
Look for ways to make adjustments for your loved one, such as shortening events, creating comfortable seating areas, or planning smaller, quieter get-togethers. Even something as simple as scheduling activities earlier in the day, when energy is higher, can make a difference. Flexibility shows your loved one that their presence matters more than the activity itself.
For those living with chronic pain, everyday tasks can present a challenge and feel more difficult than they would otherwise. Carrying groceries, standing for long periods while cooking, or wrapping gifts may cause discomfort or flare-ups. Offering to help with these chores is often more meaningful than grand gestures.
Preparing a dish ahead of time, running errands, or taking over holiday decorating can lift a good portion of the holiday burden. Many people living with chronic pain hesitate to ask for help, so your willingness to step in without being asked can feel like a gift in itself.
When planning celebrations, think about your loved one’s comfort first. If you’re hosting, make sure there’s a supportive chair available, create quiet spaces where they can rest if needed, and keep extra blankets or cushions nearby.
If traveling, plan frequent breaks or rest stops. These small accommodations ease physical strain and signal that their well-being is a priority.
Chronic pain can sometimes leave people feeling isolated, especially during busy holiday seasons when they may have to decline invitations or cut visits short. Remind your loved one that their presence is what matters most.
A shorter visit, a phone call, or even a shared cup of tea can mean more than an elaborate holiday event. Keeping the focus on connection rather than perfection helps reduce pressure and makes the season more enjoyable for everyone.
Living with chronic pain requires resilience, and an effective management plan. Chronic pain doesn’t just impact the person, it affects their family and friends as well. Our team partners with patients and their loved ones to develop treatment plans that improve quality of life, so moments like the holidays can be more joyful and less stressful.
It’s wise to get a head start on the holidays by visiting a pain management specialist. The team at Pain Management Specialists can ensure that your loved one’s pain management plan is optimized.
If someone you care about is living with pain that interferes with daily life, our team can help. Reach out to us at our Rockville or Frederick office today, or schedule an appointment online, to learn more about how our personalized pain management care can make a difference this holiday season.
