How chronic musculoskeletal pain opens the door to opioid dependency
As employers grapple with addressing opioid misuse, experts have identified flawed chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain management as a key contributor.
Most large employers are acutely aware of their opioid problem, but what they may be less aware of is the pathway that leads workers to opioid misuse: chronic MSK pain, like joint and back pain.
When people seek relief from chronic MSK pain, they often receive opioid painkillers, either as first-line treatment or after surgery. Surgery for MSK pain has been shown to play a role in the opioid crisis — both because opioids are often prescribed after MSK surgeries, and because these patients are uniquely susceptible to dependency.¹
Opioid use comes at a cost.
48% of people
risk becoming dependent if opioids are used before and after back surgery²
75% of employers
feel their workforce has been impacted by opioid use — but only 17% feel well-prepared to deal with it³
$2,473 per year
is the extra employer spend per member with chronic pain⁴
Opioid Misuse Can Be Avoided
Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines recommend patients first try non-drug therapy — such as exercise, education, and behavioral health — for chronic MSK pain. However, many employees report that they do not have the time or know-how to pursue these treatments. So what can you do to help? Empower your members to overcome barriers to following evidence-based MSK care by implementing a comprehensive digital care program, like Hinge Health.
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Empower your workforce to avoid opioid misuse by making non-invasive, and non-addictive, care available.