Exploring how stress and cultural resilience affect chronic pain risk in Native Americans

The Oklahoma Study of Native American Pain Risk: Stress and Resilience Mechanisms

NIH-funded research University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11061052

This study is looking at how certain life challenges and cultural strengths affect chronic pain in Native Americans, hoping to find new ways to prevent and treat pain that might not show up in regular reports.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oklahoma City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11061052 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the unique factors contributing to chronic pain risk among Native Americans, focusing on the impact of societal stressors and cultural resilience. It aims to understand how experiences of unfair treatment and environmental degradation influence pain mechanisms that are not easily detectable through self-reports. By examining these stress-related factors, the study seeks to identify a specific pain risk phenotype known as 'silent' spinal sensitization, which may lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for chronic pain in this population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Native Americans who experience chronic pain or are at risk of developing chronic pain.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Native American or those without chronic pain or risk factors for chronic pain may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of chronic pain in Native American communities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that cultural and environmental factors significantly influence health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Oklahoma City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.