Effects of culture on back pain in Australian aboriginals.

Abstract

A cross-sectional survey was conducted. To describe the occurrence of back pain and associated behaviors and disabilities in a semitraditional Australian aboriginal community. There are few studies of back pain in isolated and nonindustrial societies. The authors lived with, observed, and interviewed most adult members of a small aboriginal community and placed information about spinal pain in context of aboriginal beliefs and practices. Nearly half the adults in this community experienced long-term private spinal pain, but because of their cultural beliefs, did not commonly make this pain public. Cultural beliefs and practices influence how people respond to back pain in themselves and in others, including how and whether they present to health professionals or seek involvement of others.