Word on the Streets is that Black Women’s Pain is NOT Real: Disparities in Pain Treatment for Black Women

Everyone has pain. However, the way it is perceived and treated varies drastically depending on race and gender. For black women, the experience of pain is often dismissed, neglected, underestimated, or undertreated by many health care providers. This disparity is a life-threatening issue that reflects deep-rooted biases in the healthcare system. The roots of medical discrimination against Black patients, especially black women, can be traced back centuries. A well-known example is Dr. J. Marion Sims, often referred to as the "father of modern gynecology, "who performed painful surgical experiments on enslaved Black women without anesthesia. The false belief that black people have a higher pain tolerance has persisted in medical training and practice, with studies showing that some medical professionals still believe black patients have "thicker skin" or feel pain less than white patients. Modern research confirms that racial bias in pain treatment continues in 2025:

·        A 2016 study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that white medical students and residents were more likely to believe false biological differences about black people, including the myth that black patients have a higher pain tolerance.

·        Black patients are less likely to receive pain medication compared to white patients even when presenting with the same symptoms.

·        In maternal health, black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, partly due to medical professionals ignoring their reports of pain and symptoms.

The consequences of these biases can be devastating. Serena Williams, a world-famous athlete, experienced life-threatening complications after giving birth in 2017. Despite her history of blood clots, her concerns about difficulty breathing were initially dismissed by medical staff. Only after persistent advocacy for herself was she given the necessary treatment—underscoring how even wealth, fame, and access to healthcare do not always protect black women from medical neglect.

For the average black woman, who may not have the resources or platform to demand better treatment, this issue is even more dangerous. Whether dealing with chronic pain conditions like sickle cell disease, endometriosis, or post-surgical recovery, many black women find themselves fighting to be heard in doctors' offices. Tackling racial disparities in pain treatment requires systemic changes in healthcare:

·        Medical Training & Education: Healthcare professionals must be trained to recognize and eliminate racial biases in pain assessment and treatment.

·        Patient Advocacy & Self-Advocacy: Black women should be encouraged to speak up, ask for second opinions, and bring advocates to medical appointments.

·        Policy Changes: Laws and guidelines should be enacted to ensure equitable pain management practices, particularly in emergency rooms and maternal healthcare.

Black women deserve to be heard, believed, and treated with dignity when seeking medical care. Ending disparities in pain treatment is not just about medicine—it’s about justice, equality, and valuing black lives. By raising awareness, challenging biases, and pushing for systemic change, we can work toward a future where every patient’s pain is taken seriously, regardless of their race. Dr. Nekita Sullivan is the owner of Yoga Therapy Bar. She provides holistic health and wellness services including physical therapy, therapeutic yoga, and clinical Pilates to improve physical and mental health. She is a health care provider with 25 years of experience. She provides services for individuals, youth, adults, athletes, special needs, and corporations. Dr. Sullivan is a strong advocate for her patients’ as many of them suffer from painful conditions. You are welcome to contact her for more information by email at info@yogatherapybar.com or on the web at www.yogatherapybar.com. Movement is medicine for your body and mind. #yogatherapybar #holistic #wellness #mindbody #movementismedicine #blackwomenspainisreal #hillmantokuniversity #hillmantok

Black Women’s pain is REAL,

Dr. Nekita Sullivan

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