New GSCI Study Reveals High Prevalence of Spine Pain in Pimicikamak First Nation
CROSS LAKE, MANITOBA – Immediate Release – A newly published study from the Global Spine Care Initiative reveals a critical health concern within the Pimicikamak First Nation in northern Manitoba, Canada: 89% of adults surveyed had experienced spine symptoms in the past four weeks. The study, published in Preventive Medicine Reports in January 2025, highlights that most participants experienced activity limitations lasting one day or more due to neck (77.9%) or low back pain (55.6%). These findings far exceed national averages and emphasize the urgent need for accessible and culturally appropriate healthcare solutions in the community. This study reinforces the need for culturally safe, land-based, and community-driven solutions to address spine pain in Pimicikamak First Nation.
This research underscores the disproportionate burden of musculoskeletal disorders on Indigenous communities. The study found that a significant number of participants reported chronic neck and low back pain that "sometimes or often" limited their daily activities (52.8% and 74.1%, respectively). The study also revealed that while self-care (88.5%) and over-the-counter medication (64.6%) are commonly used, a significant portion of the community would prefer to consult with allied health providers (45.4%) or traditional healers (26.2%). These care-seeking preferences signal the importance of incorporating cultural practices into healthcare delivery. The community's stated preference for self-management, traditional healing, and allied health services reinforces the need for culturally safe, land-based, and community-driven healthcare solutions.
Key findings from the study include:
89.6% of participants reported spine symptoms in the past four weeks.
77.9% experienced activity limitations due to neck pain
55.6% experienced activity limitations due to low back pain
52.8% and 74.1% reported that chronic neck and low back pain, respectively, “sometimes or often” limited daily activities
Preferred care options include self-management, over-the-counter medication, allied health providers, and traditional healers
“I am deeply concerned by the findings of a recent health survey that highlights a pressing issue in our community: the high prevalence of spine pain among our people,” said David A. Monias, Chief of the Nation for Pimicikamak. “An overwhelming 89% of participants reported experiencing neck or low back pain in the past month, with many facing significant challenges in daily activities as a result. These numbers are much higher than the national average, indicating a serious gap in our nation's healthcare access. Our people’s preference for care that includes self-management, traditional healing, and allied health services like chiropractic or physiotherapy stands out. However, the lack of funding and resources by Canada and the consistent lack and limited local healthcare options limit our people’s choices. This reinforces the need for culturally safe, land-based, and community-driven solutions. As a Nation, we must prioritize bringing sustainable, accessible healthcare to Pimicikamak. However, that can only happen by partnering and working with Canada to bridge gaps and support initiatives that honor our traditions while addressing modern health challenges. Let this be a call to action for policymakers in Canada and Canadian healthcare providers to support our efforts to ensure our people's well-being. Health is a treaty right and a human right, and Canada must commit to meeting to address and resolve this as soon as possible.”
The study also highlights a preference for self-care, exercise, and non-pharmacological approaches to care. This emphasizes the need to integrate culturally relevant and community-driven solutions that support self-management, traditional healing practices, and allied health services within the community. The research emphasizes the importance of equitable access to care and culturally safe practices for Indigenous communities, particularly in addressing musculoskeletal conditions and spine pain in particular. In an engagement workshop, community members suggested that strategies to improve spine care include land-based activities and culturally relevant interventions.
Prof. André Bussières
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Principal Investigator, Global Spine Care Initiative
andre.bussieres@uqtr.ca
+1 (810) 699-9404
About World Spine Care
World Spine Care (WSC) is a multinational, not-for-profit, charitable organization. It is a collection of three healthcare-focused charitable entities registered in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. World Spine Care was founded in 2008 by Scott Haldeman, DC, PhD, MD, a leading figure in assessing and treating spinal conditions. It was launched to fill the profound gap in the evidence-based treatment of musculoskeletal and especially spinal conditions found in under-serviced areas worldwide. World Spine Care’s mission is to improve lives in underserved communities. We aim to create a world where everyone can access the highest quality spine care possible.
