Do Women Experience More Neck Pain than Men?

Most everyone has experienced neck pain at some point in their life, and knows just how frustrating it can be, making the age-old saying “a pain in the neck” one that is so relatable. Just recently, Loyola University presented a new study, in which they set out to learn more about neck pain and to answer the question of whether or not women experience more neck pain than men.

The Study

In a study that lasted two years and studied more than 3,300 women and men, researchers determined that 133 patients suffered from Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease (CDD) and 91 of those patients were women. Of those in the study, 4.5% of women reported experiencing neck pain, while only 3.3% of men did, which concludes that women were 1.38 times more likely to develop Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease than men.

Researchers conducting the study believe that, due to hormonal changes, women may experience a higher instance of CDD. Furthermore, men are less likely to report the pain they are experiencing, which would mean they never receive a proper diagnosis.

What Exactly is CDD?

CDD, or Cervical Degenerative Disc disease, is a disorder in which the discs in the spine deteriorate slowly over time, causing them to lose the ability to function properly. Some common symptoms are:

  • Headaches

  • Tingling

  • Numbness

  • Weakness in the arms, neck or shoulders

Be Honest with Your Body

Your body was designed to move you through life, not cause you pain. If you are experiencing neck pain, we can help your recover. Remember, if you ignore the pain and don’t seek treatment, it can often lead to even more severe issues that will spread to other parts of the body, including the hips, back, and knees.

Call us today to find out how we can develop a treatment plan catered to you and your body’s needs.