Chronic Pain Treatment: What Works and What TRICARE Covers

Chronic pain affects about 1 in 5 adults and can wear you down physically and emotionally. If you're managing ongoing pain, you want clear options that actually help and fit your TRICARE coverage. This guide cuts through the noise: simple treatments, realistic expectations, and practical tips for using TRICARE to pay for care.

What treatments to consider

Start with basics you can try now. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen help some people for mild flare-ups. For persistent pain, TRICARE often covers prescription options - generics first, then brand-name or specialty drugs if approved. Ask your provider about topical patches and non-opioid alternatives such as certain antidepressants or anticonvulsants that work for nerve pain.

Non-drug approaches matter. Physical therapy builds strength and movement that reduces pain over time. A trained PT can show joint-friendly exercises and pacing strategies so you stop doing too much on good days. Massage, including sports massage techniques, helps muscle tension and recovery. Biofeedback and mindfulness lower stress responses that amplify pain. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can change how pain feels day to day.

Interventional and advanced care are for specific problems. Epidural injections, nerve blocks, or radiofrequency ablation might be recommended by pain specialists. These often need prior authorization and documentation to show other treatments failed. If surgery is on the table, get a second opinion and confirm TRICARE preauthorization to avoid unexpected bills.

How to use TRICARE benefits

Know your formulary and pharmacy rules. TRICARE's drug list puts medicines into cost tiers; generics cost less. If your doctor wants a non-formulary drug, you may need prior authorization or to try a formulary option first. Use military pharmacies or TRICARE-partnered retail pharmacies for the best rates. For specialty meds, expect higher paperwork and sometimes specialty pharmacy requirement.

Cover mental health and rehab. TRICARE covers physical therapy, behavioral health like CBT, and approved rehabilitation services - often with a referral. Track visits and keep notes on progress; that paperwork helps if TRICARE asks for proof of medical necessity.

Practical tips that save time and stress Talk openly with your provider about function, not just pain scores. Describe what you can't do now that you could do before. Keep a simple pain-and-activity diary for a few weeks - dates, pain level, what helped. When starting a new med, ask about side effects and how long to try it before deciding if it helps. If a denial happens, don't give up - appeal with supporting records and a clear statement from your clinician.

Finding the right mix of treatments takes time. Use a team approach: primary care, pain clinic, PT, and behavioral health. With clear records and smart use of TRICARE rules, you can get effective care without surprise costs.

If you need drug pricing or coverage details, check the TRICARE formulary search and talk to a TRICARE pharmacist who can explain tiers, mail-order options, and copays. Also ask your provider about taper plans if stopping opioids, and about combining small changes - PT plus CBT often beats any single fix. Keep records; be persistent and proactive.