The Gold Standard Approach for Chronic MSK Pain: Meet David

Enhancing employee well-being

Today, more than ever, HR and wellness leaders can make a meaningful impact on their organizations’ and employees’ lives. Employees are often only seen as data points in annual reports, with their individual needs overlooked. However, recognizing each person as more than just a number becomes particularly important when addressing population health challenges, such as musculoskeletal (MSK) pain.

The costly toll of MSK conditions

David’s story highlights the essential role HR and benefits leaders play in supporting employee well-being. MSK pain affects more than just the physical body; it influences daily life at home, at work, and in relationships. In fact, lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, resulting in more lost workdays and healthcare expenses than any other chronic issue.¹

For employees dealing with MSK discomfort, the challenges often extend beyond the pain itself. Many also face chronic fatigue and depression², which can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. These comorbidities not only intensify the physical discomfort, they impact the overall well-being and quality of life of those affected.

The implications for businesses are also significant. Increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, and rising healthcare costs are just a few of the challenges that organizations face when employees struggle with MSK pain. By addressing these issues comprehensively, HR and benefits leaders can make a real difference in their employees’ lives, fostering a healthier, more engaged, and productive workforce.

A multimodal model for pain management

Given the complexity of MSK pain, experts agree that the most effective intervention approach involves a multidisciplinary, multimodal model that considers both the physical and psychological aspects of pain. The biopsychosocial model takes into account three major factors that must be considered together, as a system, when treating medical conditions:

Biological: includes everything about the “biological self,” from molecules and DNA to internal organs and the nervous system.

Psychological: includes our personality, behaviors, learning skills, emotions, coping skills, and overall mental health.

Social: includes all the interactions we have with the environment and other people every day, including our family, friends, social support network, cultural tradition, and education.

For MSK pain, the multimodal model is the gold standard, incorporating a holistic mind-body approach that addresses both physical health and mental well-being through exercise activities, mindfulness and relaxation, pain education, and social support. But receiving multimodal care in-clinic can be costly or inaccessible due to long commutes or waiting times. As a result, digital therapy has emerged as a powerful alternative for delivering effective multimodal MSK care.

Recognizing individuals as part of the whole

David, a 62-year-old professional, considered returning to physical therapy after injuring his back while exercising. That is until he remembered the challenges he faced balancing therapy sessions with his demanding work schedule and family commitments. A one-hour round trip to the PT clinic and a 45-minute session meant each appointment took two hours. Seeking a more convenient solution, David decided to try the Kaia app for lower back pain, offered as a benefit through his employer.

“I felt relief the very first time, and by the third day, I was walking almost normally,” David said. “Kaia is like having a physical therapist 24 hours a day.”

In today’s evolving work environment, where remote work and daily stressors are part of the new normal, having easy access to care is more important than ever. For David and many others, gold-standard, multimodal therapy is not just tackling pain—it’s transforming lives.

Inspire change for your population

Digital-first solutions, like the one offered by Kaia Health (Kaia), offer a personalized, evidence-based approach to musculoskeletal care. By focusing on a multimodal care model that caters to everyone’s unique circumstances, Kaia ensures that each employee receives the right care at the right time.

Visit www.kaiahealth.com to learn more about our innovative, digital approach to MSK therapy and how it can benefit your employees.

References

1. Hartvigsen J, Hancock MJ, Kongsted A, et al. What low back pain is and why we need to pay attention. Lancet. 2018;391(10137):2356-2367. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30480-X.
2. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2022;23:1115. Published online 2022 Dec 22. doi:10.1186/s12891-022-06051-9.