Chronic Pain – Why Is It More Common In Women?
Written by: Dr. Nikki Cohen, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
One of the most common issues women deal with is chronic pain. Yes, men deal with pain as well, but statistics show that when it comes to pain, there’s a vast difference between the sexes.
Why is this?
The Facts:
As a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, I’ve treated women with chronically painful conditions, including endometriosis, pregnancy-related pain, postpartum pain, and interstitial cystitis, and these are conditions that men simply do not experience.
In addition, in today’s modern culture, women often struggle to “have it all.” It can be quite a challenge to be a mom, a wife, and have a job.
The stress of juggling all these aspects of life can be overwhelming and can often contribute to symptoms of chronic pain.
Stress is like gasoline to a fire – if there’s already a “small fire” burning, stress will make the fire roar!
When you have unresolved issues with your parents, partner, co-workers, or boss, this “behind the scenes” stress and unresolved emotions can affect the way your body works.
Your body is so incredible, and it will actually “store” these emotions for you, impacting the way your organs, nerves, and muscles work!
What Can You Do?
If you’re a woman struggling with chronic pelvic pain related to pregnancy, bladder issues, or menses, finding a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist can be extremely beneficial. Physical Therapists with this specialty can work with your body in a way that traditional physical therapists don’t.
There are also wonderful alternative modalities, including Visceral Manipulation and Craniosacral Therapy, that work with the “inner world” of your body, including the organs and nerves, to help calm pain, improve how your body works, and help you release past emotions that no longer serve you.
Where Do You Start?
First and foremost, you must get the knowledge you deserve about your body and pelvic floor. You can download The Truth About Kegels by clicking this link to get your free guide and begin understanding your pelvic floor and what you can do today to improve your symptoms.
If you’re open to seeking alternative therapies such as Craniosacral Therapy or Visceral Manipulation, there’s a wonderful resource of practitioners who specialize in these fields on the International Association of Healthcare Practitioners website that you can access by clicking here.
Final Thoughts…
Dealing with chronic pain can contribute to unhappiness, a feeling of defeat, and disempowerment in life.
Many people can find relief through a multi-disciplinary approach. Finding a team of healthcare providers to address the many facets of being human, including psychotherapy, bodywork, diet/nutrition, and emotional release, can provide you with a comprehensive approach to wellness.
You are a beautifully complex individual with so many components that make you who you are.
Having the courage to look at what could be contributing to your pain through all the avenues can be challenging, and it could be what makes the biggest difference.
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info!
Dr. Nikki Cohen, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Nikki is a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and is a passionate leader in transforming women’s healthcare. She saw a gap in the care of women firsthand and developed a proprietary methodology in providing 1:1 patient care, as well as offering essential information online. Founder of The Organic PT, Dr. Nikki takes the awkwardness out of potentially embarrassing issues and empowers women with knowledge to take back control in their health, wellness and life.
