Cultural Considerations in the Management of Chronic Pain

Abstract

Cultural competency within health care helps eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities. When assessing and treating patients with chronic pain, practitioners should feel confident in using information regarding a patient’s individual cultural beliefs due to their significant impact on the pain experience. Culture impacts perception, outlook, and communication of pain, as well as coping mechanisms. These are aspects of subjective history that influence important decisions regarding the management of chronic pain. Becoming more aware of what to look for and which questions to ask can allow naturopathic doctors and other health-care providers to continue improving therapeutic relationships and patient outcomes.