When I think about chronic pain, my mind immediately shifts to my grandmother who has lived with arthritis for many years. Growing up I can remember watching her attempt to get through simple activities with discomfort. Activities like opening a jar, buttoning a shirt, or cooking her favorite meals became daily battles. What baffled me the most was not how much pain she was in, but how she quietly carried it with her throughout the day. I would probably say that it was mainly because she didn’t want to feel like a burden on us, but that was never the case.

Like mine, so many families struggle with what’s been deemed as the “invisible illness” because the aches and stiffness don’t always show on the outside. However, it affects more than many would think. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 50 million people are affected by chronic pain, and more than 53 million are affected by arthritis in the United States. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability, and it can happen to anyone across all ages, races, and walks of life. For some people, the pain comes and goes, but for others like my grandmother, it is constant and reshaping the way that she lives her life.

Watching my grandmother’s experience with arthritis taught me empathy at a young age. It showed me that pain is not always visible and as mentioned before, it can affect anyone. Some symptoms are occasional and manageable; however, for others, they can be persistent and affect their everyday life. Because it won’t show up like a cast on a broken arm, it often leads to stigmas, silence, or even disregarding someone’s struggles. Pain Awareness Month and Arthritis Awareness resources allow us to help break the silence.

While there’s no cure for arthritis, there are ways to manage symptoms and protect joint health. Watching my grandmother suffer, taught me that it’s important to take care of yourself. Here are some tips that can help:

• Stay Active: Exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga can help strengthen muscles around joints and improve mobility.
• Balanced nutrition: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and whole grains may reduce inflammation.
• Stress management: Pain and stress are closely linked. Mindfulness practices, breathing exercises, or counseling can help reduce the burden.
• Accessing professional support: Regular checkups or primary care providers are key for personalized treatment.
• Recognizing the signs early: Catching arthritis sooner allows for earlier interventions, whether through physical therapy, medications, or lifestyle changes.

At the American Foreign Service Protection Association (AFSPA), we acknowledge that pain management is not just about treatment; it’s also about awareness, compassion, and access to helpful resources. Pain Awareness Month and Arthritis Awareness are reminders to educate yourself on this topic and opportunities to acknowledge those who fight daily against chronic pain. Awareness means normalizing conversations about pain and encouraging empathy.

My grandmother’s experience has shaped the way that I view pain. It is a testament to strength beyond the physical. She taught me that those who live with arthritis carry strength that is often unseen. I am reminded of how important it is that we continue to raise awareness, expand access to care, and foster compassion in our communities.

How AFSPA Can Help

Hinge Health

Hinge Health offers innovative digital programs for back, knee, hip, neck and shoulder pain in easy-to-do 15-minute exercise therapy sessions. Join the thousands of people who have cut their pain by over 60%.

Best of all, this program is available at no cost to you and your family members enrolled in the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP). You’ll also be connected with your personal health coach who will tailor the program to your needs and be with you every step of the way.

Watch this video to learn more about Hinge Health. Click here to apply.

Care Management Programs

The Foreign Service Benefit Plan offers additional services under our Care Management (CM) Programs that assist you with your care coordination for acute or chronic conditions such as pain management, cancer care or behavioral health at no additional cost.

Care Management Programs provide:

• One-on-one support with a nurse or social worker who serves as a trusted resource for you and your family.
• Group coaching on personalized health topics that is designed to provide health guidance in one thirty to sixty-minute class.

• Digital support that provides a variety of resources to help you manage your health better.
• Customized health action plans based on your needs and preferences.
• Personal health record – organize and store your health history and information, plus get health alerts and notifications.
• Health evaluation – get a custom, step-by-step plan based on questions about your health and habits.
• And more!

 For more information about the CM Programs, please call 1-800-593-2354 (TTY: 711).

FSBP Massage Benefits

FSBP covers up to 50 visits per year (per service, per person) at up to $75 per visit from any U.S.-licensed massage therapist or facility, or any massage therapist while traveling abroad for massage therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture.

Please review our guidelines for massage therapy claims  and use the special submission tool in the AFSPA Member Portal  to ensure fast consideration of your massage therapy claims.