What is a Pain Scale?
A pain scale is a tool that can be used to help you describe your pain. There are several types of pain scales:- Visual Analog Scale
This scale consists of a straight line, the left side representing no pain and the right side representing the worst pain imaginable. You mark the location on the line that you feel represents your pain best. - Pain Faces Scale
This scale features six faces, each with a different expression. You circle the face that you feel best represents how you are feeling. This scale works well for children and others who have difficulty verbally expressing themselves. - Categorical Pain Scale
This scale has four categories: none, mild, moderate and severe. You choose the category that best describes your pain. - Numeric Pain Rating Scale
With this scale, you can rate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10. Zero means no pain, and 10 means the worst pain imaginable.
Your doctor may present you with one of these during a visit. But if not, ask. He may have one that you can use to better communicate how you are feeling. If not, some of the above techniques can be used even without a formal copy of the pain scale in front of you.
Sources:
McCafery M, Pasero C. Pain: Clinical Manual, 2nd ed.
Wewers M.E., Lowe N. K. “Critical review of visual analogue scales in the measurement of clinical phenomena” Research in Nursing and Health 13, 227-236, 1990.
Wong D, Baker C. “Pain in Children:Comparison of assessment scales” Pediatric Nursing
14(1)9-17, 1988.