Pain Scale
source Mankoski Pain Scale
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01185 hits since March 14, 2024
    0 No pain. Feeling perfectly normal.
Minor
Able to adapt to pain
1
Very Mild
Very light barely noticeable pain, occasional twinges, no medication needed.
2
Discomforting
Minor pain, like pinching a fold of skin, occasional strong twinges, no medication needed.
3
Tolerable
Very noticeable pain, annoying enough to be distracting, over the counter (OTC) medication needed.
Moderate
Interferes with many activities
4
Distressing
Strong deep pain, like an average toothache, can be ignored if one is very focused on a task. OTC pain reliever may be necessary.
5
Very Distressing
Strong deep piercing pain, cannot be ignored for more than 30 minutes. OTC pain reliever may reduce pain for 3 to 4 hours.
6
Intense
Strong deep piercing pain cannot be ignored however one may be able to work or attend social events. Narcotic pain relievers (Codeine, Vicodin) may be effective every 3 to 4 hours.
Severe
Patient is disabled and unable to function independently
7
Very intense
It is difficult to concentrate or sleep; can still function with effort. Stronger narcotic pain relievers are only partially effective. Stronger pain relievers relieve pain (Oxycontin, Morphine).
8
Utterly Horrible
Physical activity severely limited; can read and converse with effort. Nausea and dizziness set in as factors of pain. Stronger pain relievers are minimally effective. Stronger pain relievers reduce pain for 3 to 4 hours.
9
Excruciating, unbearable
Unable to speak. Crying and moaning uncontrollably - near delirium. Strongest pain relievers only partially effective.
10
Unimaginably unbearable
Unconscious; pain causes passing out. Strongest pain relievers only partially effective.