Chronic Pain Syndromes in Women

Abstract

Chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia, chronic pelvic pain, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, and chronic migraine cause significant disability and impair quality of life for many women. Evaluation of chronic pain can be complex because women often have overlapping syndromes as well as comorbid anxiety and depression. Multidisciplinary care including nonpharmacologic treatments like exercise and mindfulness-based therapies as well as pharmacologic medications improve function and decrease pain. With their wide knowledge base, primary care providers are well-equipped to primarily manage chronic pain in their women patients.

Keywords: Chronic migraines; Chronic pelvic pain; Fibromyalgia; Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome; Women and chronic pain.