It's impossible not to observe a pattern when it comes to many prevalent chronic pain illnesses, such as fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, arthritis, or lupus. The majority of patients diagnosed with these diseases are women. Women are not only disproportionately impacted by diseases that cause chronic pain, but they also have a harder time acquiring a precise diagnosis and receiving adequate therapy.
Pain mystery.
It is unclear why women tend to be more likely to have pain problems that last longer than a short time. It may be due to genetics. A biological explanation for these discrepancies may exist. Tho, the onset of menstruation often causes migraines to worsen in females.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may also be triggered by trauma, including sexual assault, which might lead to additional symptoms such as chronic pain. Women are more likely to have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than males. Only ten per cent of women will be diagnosed with PTSD over their lives, whereas only four per cent of males will be diagnosed with the disorder.
What causes pain problems to be more prevalent in women?
Women tend to suffer more from pain problems than men, but far too many have to endure for longer than they should due to delayed diagnosis. One of the findings reported in a 2011 study done by the World Endometriosis Research Foundation showed that on average, a woman had to wait seven years from the time she first had symptoms to when she was diagnosed with endometriosis. Like the lining of the uterus, the tissue that causes endometriosis develops elsewhere in the body, resulting in inflammation and scarring.
Also often found in people with fibromyalgia is the delay in diagnosis. The condition is thought to originate in the brain's pain response region.
Getting assistance to handle a debilitating illness
If you are suffering from chronic pain, you may utilize a variety of techniques to obtain treatment and better manage your condition. Look at the root of the problem. Begin by consulting your primary care physician. She or he can refer you to a specialist if necessary to confirm a diagnosis and establish a treatment plan.
Look for a good match. Make certain that the doctor who is treating your pain has prior expertise with that issue. Don't be scared to look for another doctor if you don't feel like your current one is attentive or ready to work with your other physicians.
Obtain assistance. Once you've received a diagnosis, look for appropriate support groups and organisations to assist you in locating the resources you'll need to manage your illness.
Take into account cognitive-behavioural treatment. This therapy technique is intended to assist you in developing more positive thinking patterns. It has been found to decrease pain and impairment by assisting people in better coping with discomfort.
Make a treatment strategy. If used at the right time, over-the-counter medicines can be used safely to treat pain. Work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Improve your way of life. While maintaining a regular exercise routine, a good sleep schedule and a healthy, balanced diet might be challenging while you are suffering from chronic pain, all of these methods have been proved to be beneficial. Gradually increasing your exercise level over time will help you build stamina and prevent setbacks that can happen if you try to do too much too soon.
Contribution: Dr Schur
Related read: PAIN IS NOT JUST A PHYSICAL SENSATION.
