Gender determinants in the approach to chronic pain

Abstract

The 20th century has been an exceptional witness to the great advances and findings in the neurophysiological understanding and the multidisciplinary treatment of chronic pain. However, interest in the different form of expression in the painful perception between men and women and the specific psychological and social determinants associated with gender roles are relatively recent. In this article, an unsystematic review of the psychological and social differential determinants is carried out following the Neuromatrix model. Finally, the knowledge of those biases that we professionals have involuntarily is crucial to address the avoidable inequalities in treatment and the recovery of the health of men and women. Finally, recommendations are offered from the field of Clinical Psychology.