3 New Year’s Resolutions for a Life with Less Back Pain

Back pain affects 80% of people at some point in their lives, and if 2025 was the year of back pain for you, getting relief is likely at the top of your list of New Year’s resolutions.

Whether your back pain is minor or severe, our team, led by pain management expert Don Enty, MD, at Genesis Pain and Regenerative Medicine in Colleyville, Texas, wants you to know that pain relief is possible. 

For a life with less back pain in 2026, you’ll likely need to eliminate some habits and implement some new ones. Here, we’re offering three ways to reduce pain and increase mobility this year. 

1. Move and stretch it out

Even minor back pain can make it difficult to move with ease, which can make exercising seem like an impossible feat. However, sitting and avoiding exercise can worsen your back pain. 

If you’re in significant pain, keep exercise light, such as a brisk walk or lifting light weights. It’s important to know your limits, though. If your back pain is the result of an exercise-induced injury, avoid those particular exercises and take it slow. 

Yoga and at-home stretching routines can also help keep your back loose and free of tension, while strengthening your core, both of which can reduce pain. Our team can provide you with a list of stretches to target the specific areas where the pain originates. 

2. Lower your stress levels

You may not always realize it, but stress can cause you to tense your muscles, especially the ones in your neck, shoulders, and back. This continual muscle tension can lead to back pain. While eliminating stress altogether isn’t possible, it’s important to recognize when your body is tense and to relax it intentionally. 

Some helpful ways to cognitively connect with your body and relax it include:

• Deep breathing, taking long, slow, and deep breaths for a few minutes
• Meditation, focusing on the present moment, and thinking about deep breathing
• Relaxation training, thinking about tensing and relaxing all the muscles in your body

Taking a few moments to practice these techniques and add some yoga stretches can be an effective way to relax your mind and body and provide pain relief. 

3. Assess your office or workspace setup

Poor posture while sitting at your desk and staring at your computer can take a toll on your spine and back muscles. If you regularly hunch over your keyboard or lean forward to read your computer screen better, it’s likely contributing to your back pain. 

Ways to ensure good posture include keeping your hips and shoulders aligned, setting your computer screen at eye level, and keeping both feet on the floor.

Need expert-level treatment for back pain?

If these resolutions aren’t enough to address your back pain, our team can provide expert, effective care through a range of pain management options. To get started, simply call our office or use our online booking feature today to schedule a consultation.