Chronic pain

Pain is your body's way of warning you that something may be wrong. Pain can affect your emotions as well as your body. When pain lasts longer than three months it’s called chronic pain.

Chronic pain can occur anywhere in your body. It can range from being mild and annoying to being so bad that it gets in the way of your daily activities.

Anyone can get chronic pain. It's more common in older adults, but it's not a normal part of aging. Older adults are more likely to have long-term medical problems, such as diabetes or arthritis, that can lead to ongoing pain.

Chronic pain can develop after a major injury or illness. It may also occur because certain brain chemicals aren’t working correctly. Sometimes damaged nerves can cause pain. Or the brain may become more sensitive to the feeling of pain or touch. Sometimes the cause of chronic pain isn't known.

Over-the-counter pain medicines may help with chronic pain. If your pain doesn't get better, there are other things you can try, such as stronger medicine or counseling. It's important to make a treatment plan with your health care provider. It may take several types or combinations of treatments before you find relief.

Harvard Pilgrim provides coverage for many FDA-approved prescription non-opioid drug products that are effective pain management alternatives and have a lesser potential for misuse than opioid drug products.*  
 
We also support a wide range of evidence-based treatments for pain management as alternatives to opioids: 
 

• Acupuncture uses needles to stimulate certain points on or under the skin. This method of treating pain and many other conditions has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries.  
• Behavioral therapy: 
  • Counseling is professional guidance to help a person, family, or group of individuals recognize and deal with issues that are interfering with their mental well-being. Counseling may help you cope. It can also help you deal with frustration, fear, anger, depression and anxiety. 
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that helps people identify and develop skills to manage negative thoughts and behaviors. CBT helps patients change their awareness of pain and develop better coping skills for pain management.
  • Guided imagery is a pain intervention that uses relaxation techniques and visualization of calming mental images to manage acute and chronic pain. 
  • Hypnotherapy is an alternative practice where a licensed hypnotherapist guides your mind to a highly focused mental state. 
• Chiropractic services use spinal manipulation to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints such as back pain, neck pain, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia and joint pain. 
• Physical therapy releases restrictions in tight muscles and strengthens weak muscles using specially designed exercises and equipment. Physical therapy can help ease pain and help you function, move and live better. 

• Members can access Harvard Pilgrim’s Care Team, which can help you address your health concerns and alleviate worries. Contact one of our registered nurses today at 866-750-2068.
• Our Mind the Moment mindfulness program provides access to online guided meditations and exclusive e-learning resources and discounts for members.  
• Receive discounts on complementary and alternative medicine, such as yoga. Visit Discounts & Savings to learn more.
• Living with chronic pain can be managed with the right combination of lifestyle changes and medical and behavioral interventions as determined by you and your provider.