Mechanical pain sensitivity and the severity of chronic neck pain and disability are not modulated across the menstrual cycle.

Unlabelled: Despite the high prevalence of neck pain among women, menstrual effects on regional pain outcomes have not been investigated in this clinical population. This study evaluated menstrual effects on mechanical pain sensitivity (pressure pain threshold [PPT]), neck pain intensity (numeric pain rating scale [NPRS]), and neck-related disability (Neck Disability Index [NDI]) in 22 normally menstruating (NM) and 17 hormonal contraceptive users with chronic neck pain. Sex hormones, PPT, and NDI were measured during the early follicular (F1), late follicular (F2), and luteal (L) menstrual phases.