Closing the Gender Pain Gap, Women’s Back & Joint Pain in Winchester
Closing the Gender Pain Gap: Why Women’s Pain Must Be Taken Seriously
Dr. Stacy Sims is well known for saying:
“Women are not small men.”
It’s a simple statement — but it highlights a significant problem in modern healthcare.
For decades, much of medical and exercise research has been based primarily on male bodies. Treatment guidelines, rehabilitation protocols and even pain research have often been developed using male physiology as the default.
Women are biologically different — and those differences matter.
This has contributed to what is now widely recognised as the gender pain gap.
What Is the Gender Pain Gap?
The gender pain gap refers to two key issues:
Women are more likely to experience chronic pain conditions.
Women’s pain is more likely to be dismissed, underestimated or misattributed.
Many women have heard phrases like:
“Your scan looks normal.”
“It’s probably stress.”
“It’s just hormones.”
“That’s normal for your age.”
While hormones can influence pain (more on that below), dismissing symptoms instead of investigating them properly can delay recovery and increase frustration.
Pain is always real. And it always deserves proper assessment.
Why Female Physiology Is Different
Dr Stacy Sims’ work focuses on female physiology — how women respond to exercise, stress, nutrition and recovery across the lifespan.
Unlike male physiology, which is relatively stable day to day, female physiology is cyclical and dynamic.
Hormonal changes occur:
Across the menstrual cycle
During pregnancy and post-partum recovery
Through perimenopause and menopause
These shifts can influence:
Pain sensitivity
Ligament laxity
Muscle recovery
Sleep quality
Energy levels
This means symptoms may fluctuate — and recovery timelines may differ — depending on life stage and hormonal context.
That isn’t weakness. It’s biology.
How This Relates to Back and Joint Pain
In clinical practice, many women present with:
Persistent back pain
Neck pain and headaches
Pelvic discomfort
Hip or knee instability
Recurrent flare-ups that don’t follow a clear pattern
Sometimes imaging doesn’t fully explain the intensity of pain. That does not mean the pain isn’t valid.
Modern pain science recognises that pain is influenced by:
The nervous system
Hormonal state
Stress levels
Sleep quality
Previous injuries
Load tolerance
Understanding female physiology helps us move beyond a “one-size-fits-all” treatment model and toward individualised chiropractic care.
Perimenopause, Hormones and Musculoskeletal Pain
One area where the gender pain gap is especially visible is perimenopause.
During this stage, fluctuating oestrogen levels can affect:
Joint stiffness
Tendon resilience
Muscle recovery
Inflammatory response
Many women in their 40s and 50s report new or worsening joint pain without a clear injury.
Too often, they are told to “just put up with it.”
Instead, this stage calls for:
Intelligent load management
Strength-based rehabilitation
Recovery support
Clear guidance and reassurance
What Closing the Gender Pain Gap Looks Like in Practice
Closing the gender pain gap doesn’t mean treating women as fragile. It means providing care that reflects biological reality.
Good care should include:
Listening properly
Your experience matters. If something feels different or wrong, it deserves investigation.
Considering life stage
A 25-year-old athlete, a new mother and a woman in perimenopause will each have different recovery patterns.
Personalised rehabilitation
Exercise is powerful medicine — but the type, intensity and timing matter.
Education and reassurance
Understanding why pain is happening reduces fear and improves recovery outcomes.
Empowerment Through Understanding
One of the most powerful aspects of Dr Stacy Sims’ message is empowerment.
Women do not need to:
Push through pain silently
Accept dismissal
Assume discomfort is “just part of ageing”
Understanding your physiology gives you agency.
When healthcare professionals recognise the differences in female physiology, treatment becomes clearer, more precise and more effective.
Seeking Help for Women’s Back or Joint Pain in Winchester
If you are experiencing ongoing back, neck or joint pain, a thorough assessment can help identify:
The true driver of your symptoms
Whether load, stress or hormonal factors are contributing
A clear, practical plan for recovery
At Winchester Spine Centre, we focus on accurate diagnosis, clear advice and tailored action plans to help you return to normal, active life as quickly as possible.
You can book online or contact the clinic directly to start your recovery journey.
Written by Mark Kennedy BSc (Chiropractic), DC, CCEP
Chiropractor at Winchester Spine Centre
Mark Kennedy is a UK-registered chiropractor (General Chiropractic Council Reg; 00019) and a Certified McGill Method Practitioner with over 25 years of clinical experience treating back pain, neck pain, joint injuries, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions in Winchester.
This article is published by Winchester Spine Centre, a regulated chiropractic clinic based in Winchester, Hampshire.
Frequently Asked Questions About Perimenopause and Joint Pain
Can perimenopause cause joint pain?
Yes. Fluctuating oestrogen levels during perimenopause can affect collagen production, tendon resilience and inflammation levels. This can lead to increased joint stiffness, tendon irritation and slower recovery.
Why do my joints feel stiffer in my 40s?
Hormonal fluctuations, reduced muscle mass, sleep disruption and life stress can all reduce recovery capacity. Strength training and structured rehabilitation often help significantly.
Is joint pain in perimenopause permanent?
No. While hormonal changes are natural, persistent joint pain is not something you simply have to accept. With appropriate strengthening, load management and manual therapy, symptoms usually improve.
Can chiropractic care help perimenopausal joint pain?
Chiropractic care can help by improving joint mobility, reducing mechanical stress and supporting structured rehabilitation plans tailored to your life stage.
When should I seek help for joint pain?
If pain lasts more than a few weeks, limits activity, or keeps returning, a professional assessment is recommended to prevent long-term irritation or deconditioning.