Ways to Work Through MSK Pain

James recently started to notice some lower back pain. As a car mechanic, James thought that aches after a long day were just part of the job but lately, he hasn’t been able to push through it like he used to. The pain has been following him home more and his after-work walks with the family dog have dropped off. For James, the last decade on the job is starting to add up.  

At his next checkup, James tells his doctor about his constant aches and pains and is diagnosed with a Musculoskeletal (MSK) condition. James learns that MSK conditions can lead to pain in your bones, muscles, joints, tendons, and more. These conditions can be a result of injuries, autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, overuse, osteoarthritis, or even just poor posture during work. MSK symptoms may feel like a pulled or overworked area of your body, over all aching throughout your body, or general muscle, back, connective tissue, or joint pain.

James’ doctor shares that mechanics often report symptoms of tension or pain in the low back, upper back, shoulders and neck and that for James’ state, it’s going to take more than adjusting his working posture.

James gets a referral from his doctor to start physical therapy, a prescription for muscle relaxers, and is told to alternate ice with heat in the meantime. He’s hesitant about starting physical therapy because he’s not sure how much it will cost and how he’s going to fit it into his work schedule, but he also knows that without treatment, the job he loves won’t be in the cards long-term.  

James has used Nomi Health’s Open Network for labs in the past to help cut costs, so he calls up the Care Guides and asks if they know of any physical therapists near the shop. The care guides find a place that’s only 3 minutes away from work and provide James with a voucher to take to his consultation. After a quick call to his Care Guide, James was able to schedule his first appointment for later this week on his way to work.

At the consultation James provides his voucher so instead of getting billed or paying out-of-pocket for services, he received high quality care at no cost. With his care paid for in full, he can focus on healing without the hurdles or headaches of surprise bills or continuous copays.

If you could relate to James’ story, please know that you don’t have to live in pain. If MSK pain is interfering with your quality of life, speak with your healthcare provider. As a Nomi Health member, you have healthcare services near you available to you for little-to-no cost. Once you see your provider, take their referral to the Care Guides for the best next steps.

Nomi Health MSK Services Available to members:

• Orthopedic surgeries such as knees, hips, joints, spine, foot, ankle, etc.  
• Interventional treatments and pain management
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation  

Call the Care Guides at 1-855-601-1900 or emailing getcare@nomihealth.com to find the nearest MSK providers in your area.

*Nomi Health is a benefit designed as a no-cost employee offering. The IRS requires a federal minimum deductible for designated HSA-qualified HDHP health plans. With these plan types, Employers cannot provide first-dollar coverage prior to the member meeting their federal minimum deductible ($1,500 individual plans/$3,000 family plans for 2023)