Chronic pain takes a toll on your body and mind. But you don’t have to handle it on your own. There’s help for chronic pain.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is constant or recurring physical pain that lasts a long time. You can feel pain anywhere in the body and it can come from different sources. No matter the source, the goal to treat pain is to reduce it and help you function better.
The most common types of chronic pain are caused by:
arthritis
back or neck problems
disease or health conditions like fibromyalgia
cancer
headaches and migraines
infections
nerve damage
previous surgery
Chronic Pain and Your Mental Health
Chronic pain can be hard to deal with and affect your mental health. Common issues include low self-esteem, depression and anger. Other things people with chronic pain struggle with are:
anxiety
fatigue
mood changes
sleep disturbances
substance misuse
This may cause behavior changes that make it harder to cope with the pain. It helps to talk about your concerns and feelings with family members, friends or a health care professional.
Get Treatment
Seek help if you’re having chronic pain. A health provider can help you manage your pain. The type of provider depends on the type and source of your pain. Talk to your Primary Care Provider about the right treatment plan for you.
Your provider might first try treatments that don’t include potentially addictive medications like opioids. Non-medicine treatment therapies can help ease pain. Those include:
Physical therapy helps through stretching and muscle building activities.
Occupational therapy teaches you different ways to complete tasks to reduce pain and avoid more injuries.
Behavioral therapy will share ways to relax and cut your stress level to help your pain.
Routine mental health screenings and treatments are a key part of effective chronic pain treatment. Seeing a mental health professional can help you:
challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain
track stress triggers that can increase pain
learn relaxation techniques to keep stress levels under control
make lifestyle changes so you can continue to work and play
manage sleep better
start goal setting
Don’t isolate yourself. Pain can make you feel like not leaving the house but spending time with family and friends can help your mental and physical health.
Try these things to help manage your pain:
Join a support group for people who share your health problem.
Make time for activities that you find relaxing.
Spend time outdoors to recharge.
Prioritize good quality sleep. Lack of sleep can make stress and fatigue worse.
Some people find relief from stretching, yoga, tai chi or meditation. You might need to try them for several weeks to see a change. Check with your health provider to make sure any new activity you start won’t make your pain worse.
If You Take Medication
Your provider may decide that medication like antidepressants, pain relievers or other over-the-counter medicine may help. Follow their instructions to make sure you’re taking the medication safely.
Resources for TRS-Care and TRS-Care Standard
Talk to Your Provider
If you need help finding a provider, use Provider Finder® to search by location, gender and specialty. A Personal Health Guide can help you find an in-network provider 24/7. Call 1-866-355-5999 or chat through the BCBSTX App.
Use Your Health and Wellness Tools
There are health and wellness programs that can help with pain that comes with your health plan – at no extra cost.
Resources for TRS-Care Medicare Advantage
Let's Move by UnitedHealthcare
Let's Move by UnitedHealthcare is here to help keep your mind, body and social life active. With simple resources, tools, events and personalized support, Let’s Move helps you explore ways to eat well, stay connected and be financially, physically and mentally fit — all at no additional cost to you.
To explore, visit letsmovebyuhc.com through your member website.
You can also participate in live, virtual events to learn how to cook healthy meals, be physically active, and explore other wellness topics by visiting the events page.
SilverSneakers®
SilverSneakers is more than a fitness program. It’s an opportunity to improve your health, gain confidence and connect with your community. Plus, it’s included at no additional cost in your TRS-Care Medicare Advantage plan. Get started today by visiting SilverSneakers.com/StartHere.
Additional Resources
Find additional health & wellness resources and activities on your UnitedHealthcare plan website. Sign in or register on your plan website at retiree.uhc.com/TRS-CareMA, go to Health & Wellness and explore all UnitedHealthcare has to offer.