What is pain assessment?

Pain Assessment
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What is the 0-to-10 pain scale?

Everyone feels pain differently. A pain scale is one way for a person to measure his or her pain so that the doctor can plan how best to manage it. The pain scale helps the doctor keep track of how well your treatment plan is working to reduce your pain and help you do daily tasks.

Most pain scales use numbers from 0 to 10. A score of 0 means no pain, and 10 means the worst pain you have ever known.

Your medical team will help you manage your pain in a variety of ways. Pain management may include changing your position, using ice or heat, or taking medicine.

The pain scale

  • 0 = No pain.
  • 1 = Pain is very mild, barely noticeable. Most of the time you don't think about it.
  • 2 = Minor pain. It's annoying. You may have sharp pain now and then.
  • 3 = Noticeable pain. It may distract you, but you can get used to it.
  • 4 = Moderate pain. If you are involved in an activity, you're able to ignore the pain for a while. But it is still distracting.
  • 5 = Moderately strong pain. You can't ignore it for more than a few minutes. But with effort you can still work or do some social activities.
  • 6 = Moderately stronger pain. You avoid some of your normal daily activities. You have trouble concentrating.
  • 7 = Strong pain. It keeps you from doing normal activities.
  • 8 = Very strong pain. It's hard to do anything at all.
  • 9 = Pain that is very hard to bear. You can't carry on a conversation.
  • 10 = Worst pain possible.

FACES Pain Scale

Pain scale using facial expressions

This figure has been reproduced with permission from the International Association for the Study of Pain® (IASP®). The figure may not be reproduced for any other purpose without permission.

These faces show how much something can hurt. You can use these faces to help choose a number that shows how much you or your child hurts right now. The face on the left shows no pain. The other faces in turn show more and more pain. The face on the right shows the worst pain you have ever known. For example, if you have a "2" on the scale, your pain may be minor with sharp pain now and then, but it doesn't impact your ability to do things. If you have an "8" on the scale, you may have very strong pain that makes it hard to do anything.

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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.