This guide can help you talk about your pain with advice from David Ross, D.O., an emergency physician at Penrose–St. Francis Health Services in Colorado Springs
How much pain are you in?
Many doctors use a 0 to 10 pain scale, such as the chart below. Of course, pain is relative—and that’s okay, says Ross. There’s no right or wrong answer— just your answer.
How does your pain act?
The way the pain acts is also important information. Which pictures below describe your pain?
- Pain is constant
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- Pain comes and goes
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- Pain flares up—it's always there byt gets worse at times
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- Pain stays in one place
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- Pain travels to other parts of the body
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Acute pain is usually caused by an illness or injury. It comes on suddenly.
Pain that lasts six months or longer is considered chronic pain.