Fall 2021

Message in a Bottle:

Opioids Are Not the Answer to Chronic Pain

American workers know the toll that daily physical labor can take on their bodies. Back aches, neck troubles, knee problems, joint inflammation. Job‑related injuries can begin a vicious cycle. Acute pain turns into chronic pain that’s treated with opioids.

Too often the construction industry and its workers fall into this cycle of injury, pain and opioid use. Known for physically demanding work and high rates of injuries, construction laborers often return to work before their injuries are healed in order to earn a paycheck.

Most evidence‑based guidelines do not recommend routinely using opioids to treat low‑back pain. According to Dr. Ben Kurian, our Behavioral Health Executive Medical Director, the benefits to the individual are small, while the health risks can be substantial. Sadly, more than 100 people nationally die from opioid overdoses every day*. Experts recommend that prescription drug treatment should be used only after other treatments fail.

Breaking the cycle. Research consistently shows exercise helps alleviate musculoskeletal pain. Many people with chronic pain avoid exercise, fearing it will make their pain worse. In reality, inactivity can make a bad situation worse. Exercise releases endorphins. These hormones decrease the perception of pain and help minimize inflammation. While physical therapy can help, members may be reluctant to take time off from work to go through treatment.

Behavioral therapy — including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness — can also help members with chronic pain.

Help is available, tailored to workers’ needs

Our claims history shows that musculoskeletal disorders are generally in the top three disease classifications for spend with many of our Funds.

One of our digital health programs, Hinge Health, offers a program — based on non‑surgical care guidelines — to address chronic back and joint pain. One big advantage: Labor workers can complete the program on their own time and not lose work time.

Physical therapists and health coaches lead the intensive 12‑week treatment program, using mobile and wearable technology. They help participants with chronic knee, hip, back, neck and shoulder pain:

Create healthy behaviors they can sustain
Improve strength and mobility through an exercise regimen
Achieve goals with behavioral support and one‑to‑one coaching

Plus, members have continued access to the program for the remaining year at no additional charge to their employer or Fund.

Results. Hinge Health helps members avoid surgery and attain better outcomes, while reducing costs to the Fund. The program’s outcome research shows:

90% weekly engagement for members who complete the program
69% pain reduction — 4 times better than opioids
Depression and anxiety reduced by half
2‑out‑of‑3 surgeries avoided

Members at risk. Our Risk Identification and Outreach (RIO) program — available to Funds with Prime as their Pharmacy Benefits Manager — helps reduce the danger associated with chronic opioid use. RIO also helps prevent new opioid users from becoming long‑term users. Following a data‑driven approach, members identified at significant risk or undergoing certain back, knee and hip surgeries are targeted for outreach and education. The RIO team then works with members and their health care providers to lessen adverse outcomes linked to opioid use.

What’s chronic musculoskeletal pain and opioid use costing your Fund?

And what’s the impact on your members’ health and quality of life? Your Labor account executive can help you analyze claims, create a plan and implement solutions.

* Source: Addressing the Opioid Epidemic Among Midwest Construction Workers , February 2018

Hinge Health is an independent company that has contracted with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) to provide an online musculoskeletal program for members with coverage through BCBSIL. Hinge Health is solely responsible for the products and services that it provides.

BCBSIL makes no endorsement, representations or warranties regarding third‑party vendors and the products and services offered by them.

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