New Year, New Back: How to Make 2026 the Year You Address Your Chronic Pain

Chronic back pain and neck pain affect millions of people. It limits your daily activities, disrupts your sleep, and diminishes your quality of life. So if you’ve been dealing with pain for months — or even years — the start of a new year offers a perfect opportunity to change course.

Instead of just living with the pain, make 2026 the year you start taking informed, purposeful steps toward lasting pain relief and improved function. David A. Wiles, MD, and our team specialize in diagnosing and treating chronic back and neck pain.

We help people in Chattanooga, Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City, Tennessee, find personalized pain management solutions that go beyond temporary fixes. Pain management is a journey, and here are some steps to help you get started on the path to feeling better.

Step 1: Understand what is causing your chronic pain

Before you can effectively treat chronic pain, it’s essential to understand what’s driving it. Back and neck pain often stems from issues like:

• Herniated discs
• Pinched nerves
• Muscle strain or ligament injury
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Arthritis and joint degeneration

These conditions can produce similar symptoms, such as stiffness, aching, sharp bursts of pain, numbness, or weakness, but they have various causes, requiring different approaches.

That’s why a thorough evaluation by a specialist is so critical. Dr. Wiles and our team partner with you to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain and tailor treatment to your specific needs.

Do not ignore red flags

Specific symptoms warrant immediate attention from a specialist. If you experience any of the following along with back or neck pain, seek evaluation promptly:

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms or legs
• Pain that interferes with mobility or daily function
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Pain that wakes you from sleep

Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent further injury and help you avoid chronic disability.

Step 2: Set clear, realistic goals for pain management

It’s understandable to wish for instant relief, but the truth is that chronic pain often develops slowly, and it rarely disappears overnight. Setting realistic goals helps you stay motivated and track meaningful progress as you figure out your best treatment strategy.

Take some time to think about what you hope to gain from better managing your pain. Perhaps it’s an increased tolerance for walking, standing, or sitting, so you can return to your favorite hobbies or exercise comfortably.

Maybe you want to improve your range of motion and flexibility, so daily activities don’t feel so challenging. And if you regularly take pain medication to manage your symptoms, consider setting a goal to reduce reliance on those medications.

No matter your goals, be sure to discuss them with Dr. Wiles. Together, we can develop a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and expectations.

Step 3: Build a comprehensive treatment plan

Most of the time, chronic back or neck pain responds best to a multidisciplinary approach that combines several evidence-based treatments. Depending on your symptoms and diagnosis, we may recommend:

• Physical therapy to strengthen your spine, improve support, and reduce strain
• Medication like pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatories to ease symptoms while your body heals
• Minimally invasive procedures, like image-guided injections, nerve blocks, or other interventional techniques
• Lifestyle modifications, including posture work, sleep hygiene, and activity pacing

These methods can significantly reduce chronic back and neck pain for many people. But if you’ve tried conservative treatment without relief, minimally invasive spine surgery may be an option for you. We combine the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options with compassionate, patient-centered care, so you can get the lasting pain relief you deserve.

Step 4: Track your progress and adjust as necessary

Chronic pain management isn’t static. What works at first may need adjustment over time, and our team is ready to help you ensure that you’re getting the most from your treatment plan.

Remember to celebrate small victories — such as reduced pain on your daily walk or increased time before stiffness sets in — and use them as encouragement to stay engaged with your care. Regular follow-ups allow us to track your progress, monitor improvement, and fine-tune your plan.

If chronic pain has held you back, make this the year it starts to change. Schedule your evaluation at 423-459-9800 or book online today and take the first step toward better spine health and a more active life.