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“We do not stop being Indigenous when we are in pain”: An integrative review of the lived experiences of chronic pain among Indigenous peoples

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  • Gaspar Fernandes, Lívia
  • Davies, Cheryl
  • Jaye, Chrystal
  • Hay-Smith, Jean
  • Devan, Hemakumar

Abstract

Chronic non-cancer pain is a major burden worldwide. Indigenous communities experience additional inequities in pain care and management influenced by long-standing impacts of colonization, including systemic racism, oppression, and marginalization. Traditional healing knowledges, practices and methods are valued by Indigenous people when managing their pain. However, mainstream health services often disregard this knowledge and fail to provide culturally safe management strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Gaspar Fernandes, Lívia & Davies, Cheryl & Jaye, Chrystal & Hay-Smith, Jean & Devan, Hemakumar, 2025. "“We do not stop being Indigenous when we are in pain”: An integrative review of the lived experiences of chronic pain among Indigenous peoples," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 373(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:373:y:2025:i:c:s0277953625003211
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.117991
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