| 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. |