Managing Holiday-Related Pain

In a new survey 59% of participants say pain limits their ability to enjoy or participate in holiday activities. Here's how to get ahead of that pain and still enjoy the season

From The LifeMinute.tv Team

November 17, 2025

The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and making memories, but they can also take a real toll on our bodies. Between marathon shopping trips, long travel days, and endless to-do lists, many Americans are finding themselves in more pain than cheer this time of year.

Bayer U.S. Consumer Health conducted a new survey with Morning Consult among 2,201 U.S. adults that found some eye-opening things. More than half of the adults surveyed (59%) say pain limits their ability to enjoy or participate in holiday activities. Looking at just those who indicated that they were parents — 26% of respondents — the number jumps to 70%.

Half of adults surveyed responded that they have even left a holiday event early, or thought about it, because of pain. Nearly half of the parents who responded said they experience more holiday-related pain each year. Still, most parents or caregivers surveyed still push through because they want their families to have a great holiday.

According to survey responses, the top culprits are back, leg, foot, neck or shoulder pain. Almost half (47%) of the adults surveyed deal with back pain during the holidays. Respondents who experienced physical pain during the holidays attributed this largely to spending long hours on their feet, cleaning or organizing, and performing outdoor tasks. When you add in travel and cold weather, it’s no wonder our bodies are feeling it.

Beyond the physical pain, it also takes an emotional toll… two-thirds of adults and over three-quarters of parents surveyed say pain has some impact on their ability to make happy holiday memories. For many, pain can really steal some of that joy and connection we look forward to this time of year.

To get ahead of that pain and still enjoy the season, preparation and smart pain management are key. Start by pacing yourself. Don’t try to do it all in one day. Stretch before long shopping trips or car rides, take breaks when you can, and use supportive footwear.

For quick, effective relief, over-the-counter pain relievers can make a big difference. In fact, two in five U.S. adults surveyed already use OTC pain medications to relieve pain during the holidays, which are easy to find at major retailers, like Walmart, to manage holiday-related pain.

Products like Aleve®, an OTC NSAID, for example, can help relieve pain so you can stay active and focus on making those holiday memories. But remember to always talk to your doctor about your specific healthcare needs.

Visit aleve.com to find a bunch of great information on pain management.