With chronic pain issues such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSK) impacting half of Americans, concern over how to help employees avoid the misuse of opioids to manage their pain is making waves in the workplace.
Whether prescribed for an injury, recovery from surgery or other chronic condition, opioid medications are a commonly issued treatment intended to be taken for three to seven days, according to the CDC. But for those managing long-term conditions, developing dependence on these drugs can be dangerous; 41 people die each day from prescription opioid overdoses. As providers and patients alike look for safer treatments, early indicators on alternative therapies are promising: According to new research by digital therapy platform Hinge Health, digital physical therapy programs can reduce opioid initiation by 42%.
