Research suggests GPs are failing to treat chronic pain within Maori adults

The study by Otago University and the Tu Kotahi Maori Asthma Trust...shows pain killers are nearly always the answer...and few Maori are ever referred to a chronic pain specialist.

Otago University Research Fellow Dr Hemakumar Devan says a big problem is traditional Maori medicine not being talked about...which patients might be using at home.

He says it's something patients find really valuable...but they're not even being asked about it when they go to consultations.