New Year, Same Pain?

The start of a new year often comes with big goals: move more, feel better, stress less. But by late January, many people find themselves thinking, “Why does my back still hurt?” or “Why am I already exhausted?”

If this sounds familiar, you’re not failing—January is simply hard on the body and mind, especially in Nebraska. Cold weather, reduced activity, poor posture, and post-holiday stress can cause pain to linger or even worsen.

At Nebraska Integrated Health, we see a predictable pattern every January across Omaha, Bellevue, Elkhorn, and Papillion: people hoping pain will go away on its own. Unfortunately, it rarely does.

Why January Makes Pain Worse

January creates the perfect storm for physical and mental strain:

• Cold temperatures tighten muscles and reduce joint mobility
• Less movement leads to stiffness and poor circulation
• Snow shoveling and winter activities strain the back and knees
• Long hours indoors worsen posture and screen-related neck pain
• Post-holiday stress and burnout increase muscle tension and fatigue

When pain is ignored during this time, small issues can turn into chronic conditions.

“I’ll Just Push Through It” — Why That Backfires

One of the most common things we hear is:
“I thought it would go away.”

Pain is your body’s warning system. Ignoring it doesn’t fix the problem—it often allows it to worsen. Over time, untreated pain can lead to:

• Chronic back or neck pain
• Headaches or migraines
• Sciatica or nerve irritation
• Reduced mobility and flexibility
• Increased stress, anxiety, and poor sleep

January is actually the best time to intervene early, before patterns of pain and compensation become ingrained.

How Chiropractic Care Helps in January

Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper movement and alignment to the spine and joints. During winter months, this becomes especially important.

Benefits of chiropractic care include:

• Reduced back and neck pain
• Improved joint mobility and flexibility
• Better posture during long indoor workdays
• Improved circulation and nervous system function

At Nebraska Integrated Health, our chiropractors create personalized plans to help patients recover from winter stiffness and prevent flare-ups throughout the season.

When Spinal or Knee Decompression May Be Needed

For patients dealing with disc issues, sciatica, or chronic knee pain, winter can amplify symptoms.

Our Back-On-Trac and Knee-On-Trac decompression therapies help by:

• Reducing pressure on discs and joints
• Improving circulation and nutrient flow
• Relieving nerve compression
• Providing non-surgical pain relief

These treatments are especially effective when started early—before pain becomes constant or limiting.

The Mental Health Connection: Pain Isn’t Just Physical

Pain and mental health are deeply connected. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can increase muscle tension and make pain harder to manage. Likewise, persistent pain often worsens mood, sleep, and motivation.

Late January is a peak time for:

• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Burnout and emotional fatigue
• Anxiety and low mood

That’s why mental health therapy is a critical part of winter wellness. Our licensed therapists help patients develop coping tools, manage stress, and break the pain–stress cycle that keeps many people stuck.

Why January Is the Best Time to Start Preventative Care

Many people wait until pain becomes unbearable before seeking help. January is the ideal time to do the opposite.

Preventative and maintenance care helps:

• Keep joints flexible in cold weather
• Reduce the frequency of pain flare-ups
• Improve energy and sleep
• Support long-term spinal and nervous system health

Think of it as setting the tone for the rest of your year. Addressing issues now helps you stay active, productive, and comfortable through spring and beyond.

Integrated Care, One Location

At Nebraska Integrated Health, we take a whole-body approach to care. Our integrated services include:

• Chiropractic care
• Spinal decompression therapy
• Knee decompression therapy
• Mental health therapy
• Medication management (coming soon)

By treating both the physical and mental contributors to pain, we help patients achieve longer-lasting results.

Don’t Let Another Year Start With the Same Pain

If you’re halfway through January and still dealing with pain, stiffness, or stress, this is your sign not to ignore it.

📍 Serving Omaha, Bellevue, Elkhorn, and Papillion
📞 Call today to schedule your January wellness consultation and start the year feeling better—not just hoping to.

‍