Beyond Bikini Medicine: MSK Issues & Women's Quality of Life

Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders don't just cause physical pain. They can significantly impact a person's quality of life, mental health, and ability to function at work and in their personal lives. And as with many aspects of women's health, the effects of MSK conditions are not experienced equally between the sexes. Research shows that women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) often face more severe consequences from MSK disorders, experiencing disproportionate levels of disability, emotional distress, and overall life disruption.

Earlier in this "Beyond Bikini Medicine" series, we explored the science behind why women need specialized musculoskeletal (MSK) care and the biological factors driving these sex differences in MSK health. But it’s also important to understand how these differences manifest in women's daily lives and overall well-being.

Keep reading to better understand the real-world implications of sex differences in MSK health. From quality of life measures to burnout rates, we'll see how MSK disorders uniquely affect women's lives, highlighting this critical need for sex-specific approaches to MSK care. By understanding these impacts, we can better appreciate the importance of tailored prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies that address the full spectrum of women's MSK health needs.

MSK disorders hit women harder

While it is more common for women and folks AFAB to experience MSK dysfunction, they also experience these disorders differently — both physically and mentally. Research shows us that this adds up to disproportionate levels of burnout, overwhelm during daily activities, and a greater impact on overall quality of life. 

Some research shows that women with MSK disorders are more likely to experience higher levels of emotional distress, greater disability, and a history of treatments for pain compared to men. Another study found that women with MSK disorders were more likely to have poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores when assessed with a standardized questionnaire, with greater impairment in both mental and physical health components for women with MSK disorders.

Furthermore, one study found that women with chronic non-malignant pain experienced higher levels of anxiety, depression, and more severe pain intensity compared to men. This contributed to poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores. This further highlights the significant impact of MSK disorders on their overall well-being.

MSK pain leads to higher levels of burnout

Research indicates that women generally experience higher levels of both MSK pain and burnout compared to men. Studies have found that neck and shoulder pain, which are more common in women, are associated with higher levels of burnout. This is particularly evident in healthcare settings where female workers report significantly higher levels of personal and work-related burnout than their male colleagues.

And several factors are likely to contribute to these differences. Hormonal and biological factors influence the prevalence and severity of MSK pain, which in turn affects burnout levels. Additionally, women often bear a disproportionate cognitive load or "mental labor" associated with household management and childcare, exacerbating stress and burnout. And long-standing (and antiquated) gender roles and biases, pay gaps, and limited career advancement opportunities further disadvantage women in terms of burnout risk. 

A study on female anesthetists showed that they face a higher risk of burnout and poor mental health because of biases and inequities within their specialty, a situation that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. A LinkedIn study highlighted that 74% of women report experiencing burn out (compared to 61% of men), which is increased from previous years.

And Gallup research suggests that various other factors contribute to the sex-related burnout imbalance. These include different workload expectations at home and work, particularly for those in non-leadership roles such as individual contributors or project managers. 

Supporting women with specialized care

The impact of musculoskeletal disorders on women's lives extends far beyond physical pain, significantly affecting their quality of life, mental health, and professional well-being. Research consistently shows that women experience higher levels of disability, emotional distress, and burnout related to MSK conditions compared to men. 

These disparities stem from a complex interplay of biological factors, societal expectations, and systemic inequalities in healthcare and the workplace. But recognizing these unique challenges is crucial for developing more effective, sex-specific approaches to MSK care. 

As we move forward, it's imperative that healthcare providers, employers, and policymakers take action to address these disparities and improve women's overall health outcomes. Addressing these unique factors that contribute to the higher prevalence and severity of MSK disorders in women and folks AFAB is crucial for improving their overall health and quality of life.