European journal of pain : EJP
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There is now strong evidence for sex differences in pain and analgesia. These differences imply that gonadal steroid hormones such as estradiol and testosterone modulate sensitivity to pain and analgesia. ⋯ Evidence is presented to demonstrate that sex differences in pain and analgesia may be both quantitative and qualitative in nature. Current research suggests that sex-specific management of clinical pain will be a reality in the not-so-distant future.
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Headache and musculo-skeletal pain are major public health problems. Substantial proportions of the general population report that they experience pain problems that affect their work, daily living and social life. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that the prevalence of most pain conditions is higher in women than in men. ⋯ There are major differences between men and women in the prevalence and severity of self-reported pain in the population. Biological factors may explain some of the differences but the main explanation is presumably gender disparities in work, economy, daily living, social life and expectations between women and men. Although improved working conditions are of importance, deeper societal changes are needed to reduce the inequities in pain experiences between women and men.
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The present study attempted to replicate the robustness of a two-factor model of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) in chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients and fibromyalgia patients, by means of confirmatory factor analysis. Construct and predictive validity of the TSK subscales were also examined. Results clearly indicated that a two-factor model fitted best in both pain samples. ⋯ Construct validity of the TSK and its subscales was supported by moderate correlation coefficients with self-report measures of pain-related fear, pain catastrophising, and disability, predominantly in patients with CLBP. Predictive validity was supported by moderate correlation coefficients with performance on physical performance tests (i.e., lifting tasks, bicycle task) mainly in CLBP patients. Implications of the results are discussed and directions for future research are provided.