A Front-Door Approach to Improving Health Outcomes for Chronic Pain

Many strategies target only a portion of the population, but few address more than half while also benefiting higher healthcare utilizers. Chronic pain, including headaches and diabetic neuropathy, is one area where a widely available and easily accessible approach can serve as a “front door” to fully engage members and integrate them into a holistic health and wellness strategy. Nervous system disorders are highly prevalent and contribute significantly to disability and health loss. A recent study found that more than half of the U.S. population—approximately 180 million people—are affected by nervous system-related conditions, with tension-type headache, migraine, and diabetic neuropathy among the most common (Ney et al., 2025). Focusing on strategies that address these conditions can meaningfully improve outcomes and member engagement.

Ney, J. P., Steinmetz, J. D., Anderson-Benge, E., et al. (2026). US burden of disorders affecting the nervous system: From the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study. JAMA Neurology, 83(1), 20–34. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2025.4470