Pain management remains a complex problem for employers and the workers compensation sector, but realistic solutions are proving hard to find.

The well-known downside to widespread opioid use by injured workers has been extensively documented, and many states are taking action to curb the use of the drugs by introducing formularies or putting other controls on prescriptions.

While controlling or limiting use of opioids is a start, other remedies need to be offered to help employees recover from injuries and get back to work.

Many states seem to be going down the path of offering medical marijuana for pain relief and other ailments. The problem with that is that research into marijuana’s effectiveness as a pain medication and its side effects is a work in progress. On top of that, marijuana possession remains a federal offense, and it’s hard to see that changing anytime soon.

One solution is to look to pain management programs to help workers heal. Such programs can offer a combination of physical therapy, psychological therapy, work conditioning and group support to control pain and help injured workers get back on the job.

A big part of such programs is addressing the mental side of pain management. Rather than offering the quick fix of a prescription drug, psychosocial support can help patients face the pain that accompanies physical therapy.

As we report, cognitive behavioral therapy and other psychosocial treatments are increasingly being seen as ways to effectively help people overcome the depression that can accompany physical injury and to help them recover. By replacing negative thoughts with a more positive outlook, patients are more able to tackle the feelings of loss that can be associated with physical injury.

As is often the case, however, the complicating factor is cost. Such treatments are not cheap, and workers comp payers will be reluctant to fund treatments whose effectiveness can’t be ascertained by traditional physical examinations and tests. Furthermore, the risk of creating a psych claim often has payers thinking twice.

That may be short-sighted, however, if the alternative is to keep prescribing highly addictive opioids or trusting in alternative medications whose efficacy is still open to question. Looking to mental and physical solutions to replace chemical solutions in pain management has to be seen as a step in the right direction.