Convenient digital solutions can help address musculoskeletal disorders

COVID-19 has caused lasting health problems in the United States beyond respiratory disorders. As many employees shifted to working from home, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) has increased. Many workers report more neck, shoulder and upper back pain.¹ This is attributed to the fact that few workers have ergonomic equipment at home, instead working in makeshift conditions at kitchen and dining room tables.²

MSDs are costly conditions: Those affected miss an average of 11.4 days of work, resulting in estimated costs of $213 billion, including treatment and lost wages. Coexisting conditions such as obesity and heart disease can increase direct and indirect costs to $874 billion.³

Digital approaches are cost-effective and can treat MSDs non-surgically. Hinge Health is designed to prevent elective surgeries by providing a coach-led digital program for members with chronic MSDs, specifically knee, back, hip, neck and shoulder pain.

Participants receive wearable sensors and support from a clinical care team of physical therapists and health coaches. Hinge Health combines wearable sensor-guided exercise therapy with behavioral change through one-on-one health coaching and education to reduce chronic pain, surgeries and opioid use.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the convenience and accessibility of digital solutions came to the forefront. Hinge Health reports that user engagement increased 20 percent and that two out of three surgeries were avoided.⁵

Hinge Health is just one of the cost-effective digital solutions available through CVS Health’s Point Solutions Management portfolio—a simple and convenient way for plan sponsors to provide robust wellness benefits to their members. Through this full-service offering that simplifies administration at the lowest price, payors can engage members to drive better health outcomes.