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Defining gender disparities in pain management
1Department of Oral Medicine, University of Washington, Box 356370, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. leresche@uw.edu
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|January 7, 2011
Summary
Women experience higher rates of musculoskeletal pain, but the reasons remain unclear. Research suggests both biological sex differences and psychosocial gender factors contribute, impacting healthcare and treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Pain research
- Musculoskeletal health
- Sex and gender in medicine
Background:
- Musculoskeletal pain is more prevalent in women than men.
- Disparities are attributed to biological sex differences in pain mechanisms and psychosocial gender factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify reasons for sex differences in pain prevalence.
- Assess disparities in musculoskeletal pain treatment between men and women.
- Determine causes of sex/gender disparities in pain management.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a MEDLINE search using terms related to pain, sex differences, gender differences, healthcare, and physician attitudes.
- Included articles relevant to sex/gender disparities in musculoskeletal pain prevalence and treatment.
- Synthesized findings on the influence of pain intensity, psychosocial factors, and clinician bias.
Main Results:
- Higher pain prevalence in women is confirmed but not fully explained.
- Pain intensity influences treatment, particularly for acute pain.
- Clinician gender stereotypes and personal gender impact treatment decisions for chronic pain.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to understand sex/gender disparities in pain.
- Optimal pain control should consider individual differences, including gender.
- Investigate whether gender-specific pain treatment approaches are warranted.
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