Chronic pain does not just affect deskless workers. Many desk workers struggle with pain which can lead to absenteeism, pain, depression, surgery intent, and opioid use. Jim Pursley says that bridging the digital gap in chronic pain care can increase employee engagement and health equity.

What should companies understand about their employees who are experiencing pain? What do employees in pain need most from their employers?

More employees are suffering from pain than any given company may think, with 1 in 4 people impacted by musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. This is why it's important to understand the experiences of your employees and understand their needs to provide benefits that serve them. Many people and providers assume that chronic MSK pain is due to an unhealed injury, but studies show that 85% of chronic back pain persists due to other physical, psychological, and social factors. 

The physical pain employees experience can also negatively impact their mental health. To gain a deeper understanding of those suffering from chronic pain, Hinge Health surveyed approximately 1,500 Americans in pain to learn more about their experiences, needs, and attitudes. The results of that study were eye opening. Seventy-four percent of people in pain indicated that pain has a negative impact on mental health and 60% of people in pain indicated that pain leads to feelings of isolation. So while pain may be an issue for your employees, it's also impacting other important factors that need to be considered for their overall wellbeing.