New Year, New You: 3 Resolutions for a Healthier Spine in 2026

It’s time for New Year, New You: spine edition! If you’ve been living with back or neck pain, this is the perfect time to prioritize your spine health. 

You already know that your spine supports every movement you make, but here’s the thing: Small, consistent habits can dramatically improve how you feel day to day. 

You don’t have to figure it out alone, though. Dr. John Regan is here to help you make 2026 the year you move easier, hurt less, and feel stronger.

This month, the Spine Group Beverly Hills team is sharing three resolutions that set you up for a healthier spine in 2026.

Resolution #1: Exercise at least 150 minutes each week

Most people spend far more time sitting than they realize: at work, in the car, or relaxing at home. But long periods of sitting can actually tighten muscles, strain spinal discs, and worsen pain.

Commit to small daily movements that support your spine, such as:

• Taking a 5–10 minute walking break every hour
• Stretching your hips, hamstrings, and lower back
• Adding gentle core-strengthening exercises to your routine

These simple habits help improve flexibility, reduce inflammation, and keep your spinal joints healthy. If you're struggling with stiffness or recurring pain, Dr. Regan can create a guided physical therapy or exercise plan just for you.

In addition to adding more movement throughout your day, try to log at least 150 minutes of planned aerobic exercise and two strength-training sessions per week.

Resolution #2: Improve your posture (especially during work hours)

Poor posture is one of the most common (and preventable!) causes of spine pain.

Whether you're working at a desk or scrolling on your phone, slouched positioning can strain your neck, shoulders, and lower back. Tilting your neck at a 60-degree angle to look at your phone, for example, can add 60 pounds of pressure on your cervical spine (neck). Many people with neck pain also experience headaches. 

For 2026, try setting a resolution to:

• Adjust your workspace to a spine-friendly setup
• Use an ergonomic computer chair with armrests and lumbar support
• Keep screens at eye level to avoid “tech neck”
• Sit with both feet flat on the floor and shoulders relaxed

Small posture corrections can make a big difference in how your back feels. And if pain persists, our team can evaluate whether underlying spinal issues may be contributing.

Resolution #3: Prioritize professional spine care when you need it

It’s easy to brush off recurring symptoms and blame them on “just getting older,” but persistent discomfort is your body asking for attention. Even if you’ve sought care before without the results you hoped for, it’s not too late to get a second opinion. 

Taking action now and getting the right medical evaluation can stop small spine issues from progressing into long-term pain or nerve damage.

It’s time to see Dr. Regan if you’re experiencing:

• Pain that lasts more than a few weeks
• Sciatica or shooting leg pain
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Limited mobility or trouble with daily tasks

At Spine Group Beverly Hills, we offer advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments to help you get relief without lengthy recovery times. From physical rehabilitation to state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgical procedures, Dr. Regan designs your treatment to your individual needs and lifestyle.

Make 2026 the year your spine finally gets the care it deserves

If back or neck pain is holding you back, now is the perfect time to take action. Contact Spine Group Beverly Hills today to schedule an evaluation and start the new year with a healthier, happier spine.

To get started, call 424-238-3281 or schedule online.