Top 10 Most Common Chronic Pain Conditions Women Leaders Experience
Chronic pain disproportionately affects women more than men. This higher prevalence is attributed to a complex interplay of biological, hormonal, and psychosocial factors that uniquely impact women. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, can exacerbate pain sensitivity and frequency. Additionally, women are often socialized to express pain differently and may face unique stressors that contribute to chronic pain conditions. The intersection of these factors not only increases the incidence of chronic pain among women but also influences the intensity and management of pain, leading to significant implications for our quality of life and functional capacity in both personal and professional domains.
Stated differently- men and women experience pain differently, and we see that difference reflected in how chronic pain is reported and reflected in chronic pain conditions. I’ve listed the top 10 offenders where women are more prevelantly diagnosed, sometimes as high as 90%.
Fibromyalgia: Characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issue
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis): Severe fatigue not improved by rest and may be worsened by physical or mental activity
Endometriosis: Painful disorder where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside the uterus
Interstitial Cystitis (Bladder Pain Syndrome: Chronic pain in the bladder and pelvic region
Lupus: Autoimmune disease causing inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body
Migraine: Intense headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Chronic gastrointestinal disorder causing abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ): Causes pain in the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement
Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: Persistent pain in the pelvic region related to various causes
Trigeminal Neuralgia: Chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve in the face
Other common chronic pain conditions that affect women more prevalently than men**Osteoporosis, · Multiple Sclerosis · Psoriatic Arthritis · Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome · Pelvic Pain · Myofascial Pain Syndrome · Complex Regional Pain Syndrome · Chronic Back Pain · Chronic Tension-Type Headaches · Sickle Cell Disease · Chronic Pain Syndrome · Peripheral Neuropathy · Postherpetic Neuropathy · Spinal Stenosis · Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) · Central Pain Syndrome · Phantom Limb Syndrome · Ankylosing Spondylitis · Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
As I was researching this list I paused a number of times and reflected back to my research on how gender influences the pain experience - our biology, how we’re socialized, the pressures we face, our willingness to talk about our pain, or to seek help.
I may be a “doctor” but I’m not “that kind of doctor”, I’m not a medical doctor, but I do believe in sharing resources and self-advocacy. So my disclaimer - do your own research, advocate for yourself and here’s my list of sources I’ve found especially helpful.
International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP): IASP is a global organization dedicated to advancing pain research and education, promoting the understanding of pain mechanisms, and improving pain relief worldwide. They have a number of educational resources available.
Website: https://www.iasp-pain.org/The American Chronic Pain Association: The ACPA provides support and education for individuals with chronic pain, including resources specifically tailored for women. They offer peer support groups, educational materials, and tools to help women manage their pain and improve their quality of life. They have resources designed to help people maintain productivity and emotional well-being while navigating the challenges of chronic pain.
Website: https://www.theacpa.org/National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH provides extensive and up-to-date research on various chronic pain disorders, including detailed studies, clinical trials, and scientific publications. The NIH encompasses several specialized institutes, such as the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), which focus specifically on pain and related conditions. NIH offers a wealth of educational materials, guidelines, and information on the latest treatments and management strategies for chronic pain disorders
Website: https://www.nih.govMayo Clinic: The Mayo Clinic offers comprehensive, easy-to-understand information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for chronic pain disorders. They are known for its clinical expertise and patient care resources, which can be beneficial for understanding practical management and treatment strategies.
Website: https://www.mayoclinic.org
More practically, if you are a woman leader who lives every day with one or more with one of these chronic pain conditions, UCLA health offers free guided meditations and podcasts that cover basic mindfulness practices and specific topics like sleep, working with pain, and managing difficult emotions
Website: https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations
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References:
National Institutes of Health. (2023). NIH study finds high rates of persistent chronic pain among U.S. adults. *National Institutes of Health*. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-study-finds-high-rates-persistent-chronic-pain-among-us-adults
Stanford Pain News. (2024). The 2024 ACPA-Stanford Resource Guide for Chronic Pain Management. *Stanford University*. Retrieved from https://painnews.stanford.edu/2024-ACPA-Stanford-Resource-Guide