How to describe your pain levels
Date issued: July 2022
Review date: July 2024
Ref: C-499/PP/LDT/How to describe your pain levels
PDF: How to describe your pain levels final July 2022.pdf [pdf] 426KB
Pain words
It is important to tell hospital staff when you are in pain. Here are some words you could use:
Burning = a pain that feels hot
Gripping = a pain that feels really tight
Sharp or stabbing = a quick piercing pain
Shooting = a fast pain that travels up through your body
Throbbing = a pain that feels like it has a regular beat or pulse
Tingling= a pain that feels like pins and needles; it may go numb
The pain scale
Pain is measured on a scale between 1 to 3.
1 = I have no or very little pain. I do not need to take painkillers.
2= I feel very uncomfortable. The pain has stopped me from doing certain things. I would like something for the pain.
3= I am in really bad pain. I cannot think about anything else. I need something for the pain.
Think about questions you would like to ask the hospital staff about your pain. For example: how long will it last, when will it start to ease?
Information about your pain
Where is your pain?
How long have you had this pain?
What do you think caused the pain?
Have you taken anything to ease your pain? Did it work?
Are you able to put up with the pain you are in?
Are you allergic to any painkillers?
Remember some painkillers can cause constipation; make it hard to poo.
