Cultural Influence Upon Chronic Pain Management

Chronic pain is a complex physiological complication that involves mind and body. For many chronic pain sufferers, the underlying cultural beliefs about healthcare and pain may prompt more or less medical treatment when compared to the general population. With the use of narcotics and other pain relievers, there is a diverse platform on which patients and physicians must work to determine what is best for the patients care.

Cultural opinions regarding pain management can have a significant impact on the treatment options used in management chronic pain. While the patient may have on cultural view about pain and the remedies to treat pain, the healthcare professional may carry an entirely different cultural view. When these opinion and views clash, the chronic pain is often not resolved and there is a greater degree and risk for non-compliance in treatment plans.

In some cultures, there is an overwhelming belief the individual is in control of their own destiny and health outcomes. Even with the best of medical approaches, this individual will often believe it is their own personal views and practices that is leading to additional pain or alleviating pain. To maintain control over their views and beliefs, the patient may not always agree with the treatment options the healthcare professional is recommending for chronic pain relief.

Conversely, in some cultural populations there is a belief that pain management is the total responsibility of the healthcare professional. Taking little responsibility, individuals in this cultural viewpoint will often blame and rely heavily upon the healthcare team to manage pain, even using pain medications extensively.