Chronic Pain and Women: A Silent Challenge in Spain
Chronic pain is a significant burden for millions of people worldwide, but for women, this challenge can be even more complex. The prevalence is approximately 30% in women and 21% in men. This situation, especially in women, can generate a lack of social opportunities, inequalities and exclusions that are enhanced by the gender-related educational, labor and economic gap. This situation justifies the need to deepen the knowledge of the development of chronic pain and its bio-psycho-social mechanisms with a more concrete analysis of its impact in terms of public health and opportunities. From biological differences to inequalities in medical care, chronic pain affects women to a greater extent. For this reason, different working groups have been created in recent years to better study the relationship between women and pain; the SAGER (Sex and Gender Equity in Research) guidelines, for example, propose the equitable incorporation of sex and gender in medical research.
La Prevalencia del Dolor Crónico en las Mujeres
According to recent studies, women have a higher prevalence of chronic pain compared to men. This is partly due to biological differences, such as sensitivity to pain and hormonal fluctuations, which can influence the perception and experience of pain. In Spain, it is estimated that around 17% of the population suffers from chronic pain, and women make up a significant proportion of this group at a ratio of 2/3 of pain sufferers are women.
Factores Sociales y Culturales
In addition to biological differences, social and cultural factors also play an important role in the experience of chronic pain in Spanish women. Gender expectations, family roles and social pressures can contribute to chronic stress, which in turn can exacerbate pain.
El Impacto del Dolor Crónico en la Calidad de Vida
Chronic pain not only affects women’s physical health, but also their emotional well-being and overall quality of life. Women living with chronic pain may experience difficulty performing daily activities, maintaining interpersonal relationships, and participating in work or social life. This burden can lead to mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, which are often overlooked or underestimated in the context of chronic pain and actually further chronicle the painful condition.
Desafíos en el Diagnóstico y Tratamiento
Despite offering correct treatment and care to all patients with chronic pain, women tend to minimize the problem and consult with greater delay for painful conditions. In fact, there are family physicians who observe with some regularity the use of drugs such as benzodiazepines to treat pain in its early stages, and this is observed more in women. In addition, standard treatments may not be as effective in women because of biological differences in response to treatment.
Conclusiones
Chronic pain is a significant challenge for women in Spain, but with increased awareness, education and access to appropriate medical care, steps can be taken to improve the quality of life for women living with this condition. By addressing gender differences in the experience of pain and providing a more woman-centered approach to diagnosis and treatment, we can help alleviate suffering and promote women’s well-being.
MIVI Salud Barcelona Pain Unit Coordinator