Chronic Pain
Get help managing your chronic pain with our Pain Management Resource Center in MyBlue.
Helping you live better with chronic pain
It’s estimated that 50 million Americans live with chronic pain—persistent, long-term pain that affects their daily lives. If you’ve tried other programs but are still suffering, maybe it’s time to try something new. We've worked with WebMD to provide a tailored resource for members living with chronic pain.
What is chronic pain?
Everyone feels pain. It’s your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. For most people, once an injury heals, they stop hurting. But 1 in 12 Americans live with chronic pain so bad that it prevents them from doing daily activities.
What makes chronic pain different
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than six months. It often develops one of two different ways: from an injury that doesn't heal or from an illness or disease. Despite treatment, the pain doesn't go away when it's supposed to. It might not even feel like 'pain' and can feel:
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What starts as a local issue can start to affect other parts of your life and may cause fatigue, sleeplessness, depression, anxiety or impaired motor function.
Treatment
Ways to treat chronic pain vary depending on your symptoms and overlapping conditions. But typically, treatment ranges anywhere from prescription medications to lifestyle changes—or a combination of different methods. Your doctor will recommend what’s best for you.
Medications
- Anti-inflammatories
- Anti-rheumatic drugs
- Antidepressants
- Muscle relaxants
- Corticosteroids
Treatment
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Acupuncture
- Nutritional supplements
- Psychotherapy
Lifestyle Changes
- Dietary changes
- Modified activity levels
- Special accommodations at work or school
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol
- Stress management
- Mobility aids
- Exercise & stretching
Pain Management Resource Center
With the Pain Management Resource Center, you can stay up to date on the latest information related to chronic pain and access tools to help you find the type of care that fits your needs. Log in to MyBlue to get started.
