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New Year, New You: Setting Realistic Pain Management Goals for 2025


For those of us dealing with chronic pain, New Year’s resolutions often revolve around finding better ways to manage our health and improve our quality of life. But setting goals around pain management can feel overwhelming, especially when progress seems slow or unpredictable.

At Dayton Outpatient Center, we understand that managing chronic pain is a long-term journey that requires patience, perseverance, and most importantly, realistic goal setting. 

“Chronic pain can sometimes feel like an insurmountable challenge, but with the right approach, you can improve your quality of life. Setting small, realistic goals is key to maintaining motivation and tracking progress. It’s not about eliminating pain entirely, but finding ways to live better with it.”

~ Dr. Mehta, Dayton Outpatient Center

Tips for Setting Achievable Health Goals for Chronic Pain

Start Small:

When it comes to chronic pain, drastic changes rarely happen overnight. Focus on small, achievable steps that lead to long-term improvements. This might mean increasing your daily activity by 5 minutes or improving your sleep by 10-15 minutes each night. These small wins can build over time, creating meaningful progress.


Focus on Function, Not Just Pain Relief:

While it’s tempting to set a goal of “being pain-free,” chronic pain often doesn’t work that way. Instead, set goals that focus on increasing your ability to perform daily activities. This could include goals like:

• Walking for 10 minutes a day without increased discomfort
• Managing stress through deep breathing or relaxation exercises
• Improving flexibility or strength with gentle stretching

By shifting your focus to functional goals, you can track improvements in your quality of life, even if your pain levels remain the same.

Use Tools to Track Your Progress:

A key element in managing chronic pain is tracking. This helps you and your healthcare provider understand patterns, identify triggers, and measure improvements. Dr. Mehta recommends using tools like pain journals or apps to stay on top of your progress.

• Pain Journals: Writing down daily pain levels, triggers, moods, and activities can help you identify patterns and triggers. This journal can also be a powerful tool when discussing your treatment plan with your healthcare provider.
• Apps for Tracking: There are a variety of apps available for tracking chronic pain and related symptoms. These tools can also help you set reminders for medication or exercise, making it easier to stay on track.


Don’t Forget to Consult with Your Healthcare Team Regularly:

Set up regular check-ins with your healthcare provider to review your progress. Having a trusted team of specialists can help refine your goals as needed, adjust treatment plans, and provide necessary support to keep you on track. They can also offer professional advice on lifestyle changes or therapeutic options that can assist in managing your pain.


A Healthier 2025 Starts Now

Chronic pain management doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. With the right mindset and the right tools, you can make meaningful strides toward living better with pain.

At Dayton Outpatient Center, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re starting a pain journal, using a new app, or seeking a customized pain management plan, we’re committed to helping you achieve the best quality of life possible.

Here’s to a new year, a new you, and a fresh start toward living well with chronic pain.