Evaluating Pain
Use the following questions to help describe your pain to the doctors and nurses:
- Where does it hurt? Tell exactly how the pain feels. Does it feel like it's on the inside or outside of your body? Point to the places that hurt. Show where the pain moves if it travels from one place to another. Be sure to show all the places that hurt. If you have more than one type of pain, be sure to describe each kind in detail. Also report any new pain.
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Can you rate the intensity of your pain using the following scales?
- When does the pain happen? How long does it last? Does the pain come and go? Or is it there all the time?
- What makes the pain better? What makes it worse? People try things to relieve pain. Some work well; others may not work at all. Sometimes pain occurs when you move a certain way. Sometimes staying in one position eases the pain. Telling your doctor or nurse about these things can help them control your pain more quickly.
- What have you tried to relieve the pain? Different kinds of pain respond to different treatments. Sometimes relaxation, medication, heat, cold, deep breathing, distraction, or mild exercise help to relieve some types of pain. Medication may be needed for other types of pain.
- Do you have any worries about taking medicines for pain relief? Many people worry about taking medicines, especially narcotics or opiates, for pain relief. They worry about addiction and other side effects. Addiction rarely occurs in people who take medication for the treatment of pain. Your doctor or nurse needs to know how you feel about this. Ask questions about other worries you may have.
