Sex differences in musculoskeletal pain

Epidemiologic, clinical, and experimental evidence points to sex difference s in musculoskeletal pain. Adult women more often have musculoskeletal prob lems than do men. Discrepant findings regarding the presence of such differ ences during childhood and adolescence continue. Biologic and psychosocial factors might account for these differences. The authors review evidence sh owing that mechanically induced pressure is more likely to show sex differe nces than other noxious stimuli and to discriminate between individuals suf fering from musculoskeletal pain and matched controls. The authors suggest that a state of increased pain sensitivity, with a peripheral or central or igin, predisposes individuals to chronic muscle pain conditions, and that t here are sex differences in the operation of these mechanisms; women are vu lnerable to the development and maintenance of musculoskeletal pain conditi ons.