Pain Scale Chart: 1 to 10 Levels
Ian C. Langtree - Content Writer/Editor for Disabled World
Published: 2016/05/20 - Updated: 2024/10/16
Publication Type: Charts, Graphs, Tables
Topic: Pain: Acute and Chronic (Publications Database)
Page Content: Synopsis Introduction Main Item
Synopsis: Comprehensive pain scale diagram and chart detailing explanations for each of the 1 to 10 classified pain levels.
Why it matters: These pain scale charts from Disabled World provide a comprehensive breakdown of pain levels from 0 to 10, offering detailed descriptions for each level that help individuals better articulate their pain experiences. This standardized scale aids healthcare professionals in assessing and managing patient pain more effectively. The article also includes information on different types of pain measurements, such as pain threshold and tolerance, and introduces the concept of dolorimetry. Additionally, it lists some of the most painful conditions, giving readers context for severe pain experiences. Overall, this resource serves as an educational tool for both patients and healthcare providers, promoting better communication and understanding of pain intensity and management - Disabled World.
Introduction
A pain scale measures a person's pain intensity and is based on self-report, observational (behavioral), or physiological data. Various pain scales are available for neonates, infants, children, adolescents, adults, seniors, and persons with impaired communication. Pain assessments are typically regarded as "the 5th Vital Sign."
Main Item
Universal pain screening is an increasingly common practice because of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) requirement that accredited hospitals and clinics routinely assess all patients for types and severity of pain. Pain screening is intended to improve the quality of pain management by systematically identifying patients with pain in clinical settings.
Pain Scale Table
The pain scale chart below provides examples of the various levels that define the 0 - 10 pain scale. Service Personnel and Veterans may be better suited using the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale DVPRS 2.0 - a pain assessment tool using a rating scale, word descriptors, color coding, pictorial facial expressions that match pain levels.
Continued below image.Continued...
See our printable pain scale assessment chart you can print and use for your own use. |
|
No Pain | |
---|---|
|
No pain at all; you feel perfectly normal. |
Minor Pain Levels | |
Minor pain levels generally do not interfere with most day-to-day activities. Able to adapt to pain psychologically and with medication or devices such as cushions. |
|
Pain Level 1 |
Pain level one means very light, barely noticeable pain, like a mosquito bite or a poison ivy itch. Mostly, you never think about the pain. |
Pain Level 2 |
Pain level two is minor discomfort, like lightly pinching the fold of skin between the thumb and first finger with the other hand, using the fingernails. People can react differently to this self-test. |
Pain Level 3 |
Pain level three is tolerable but very noticeable, like an accidental cut, a blow to the nose causing a bloody nose, or a doctor giving you an injection. The pain is not so strong that you cannot get used to it. Eventually, you don't notice the pain as you have adapted to it. |
Moderate Pain Levels | |
Moderate pain levels interfere with many daily activities. These pain levels usually require lifestyle changes, but you can remain independent. However, you are unable to adapt to the pain. |
|
Pain Level 4 |
Pain level four is a distressing strong, deep pain, like an average toothache, the initial pain from a bee sting, or minor trauma to part of the body, such as stubbing your toe hard. So strong, you constantly notice the pain and cannot completely adapt. This pain level can be simulated by pinching the skin fold between the thumb and first finger with the other hand, using the fingernails, and squeezing hard. Note how the simulated pain is initially piercing but becomes dull after that. |
Pain Level 5 |
Pain level five is a very distressing strong, deep, piercing pain, such as a sprained ankle when you stand on it wrong or mild back pain. Not only do you frequently notice the pain, but you are now so preoccupied with managing it that your normal lifestyle is curtailed. Temporary personality disorders are frequent. |
Pain Level 6 |
Pain level six is an intense pain that is strong, deep, and piercing. The pain is so strong it seems to partially dominate your senses, causing you to think somewhat unclearly. At this point, you begin to have trouble holding a job or maintaining normal social relationships. Comparable to a bad non-migraine headache combined with several bee stings or a bad back pain |
Severe Pain Levels | |
Severe pain levels mean you cannot engage in normal activities. The patient is considered disabled and unable to function independently. |
|
Pain Level 7 |
Pain level seven consists of very intense pain. Much the same as level 6, except the pain, completely dominates your senses, causing you to think unclearly about half the time. At this point, you are effectively disabled and frequently cannot live alone. Comparable to an average migraine. |
|
Pain level eight is horrible pain. The pain you feel is so intense you can no longer think clearly and have often undergone severe personality changes if the pain has been present for a long time. Suicide is frequently contemplated and sometimes tried. Comparable to childbirth or a horrible migraine. |
Pain Level 9 |
Pain level nine is excruciating pain, so intense you cannot tolerate it and demand painkillers or surgery, regardless of the side effects or risk. If this doesn't work, suicide is frequent since there is no more joy in life whatsoever. Comparable to throat cancer. |
|
Pain level ten means unimaginable pain. This pain level is so intense you will go unconscious shortly. Most people have never experienced this level of pain. Those who have suffered a severe accident, such as a crushed hand, and lost consciousness due to the pain and not blood loss, have experienced level 10. |
Measuring Pain
Pain tolerance is the maximum level of pain a person can tolerate without passing out. Pain tolerance differs from the "pain threshold," which is the point at which pain begins to be felt.
The threshold of pain (pain threshold) is the point along a curve of increasing perception of a stimulus at which pain begins to be felt. Pain threshold measurements include:
- The pressure at which sound becomes painful for a listener is called "pain threshold pressure."
- The temperature at which heat becomes painful for a person is known as the "heat pain threshold."
What is a Dolorimeter?
Dolorimetry has been defined as "the measurement of pain sensitivity or pain intensity". A dolorimeter is an instrument used to measure pain threshold and pain tolerance. Dolorimeters apply steady pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation to an area. Sometimes, the pressure applied uses a blunt object, or by increasing air pressure on an area of the body, and sometimes by pressing a sharp instrument against the body to move a joint or another body part to determine the level of heat, pressure, electric current, or amount of movement produces a sensation of pain.
Several types of dolorimeter have been developed. A dolorimeter known as the Sonic Palpometer was developed at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. The Sonic Palpometer uses ultrasound and computer technology to automate the technique of palpation to determine the sensitivity of an area of the patient's body.
What are the Most Painful Things You Can Experience?
List is in alphabetical order, not by pain severity level:
- Acute pancreatitis
- Appendicitis
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Broken bones (Femur in Particular)
- Burns (Severe)
- Childbirth
- Cluster headaches
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Dercum's Disease
- Emotional Pain (Depression - PTSD)
- Endometriosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Frozen shoulder
- Gonadal Torsion (Twisting of the gonads)
- Gout
- Heart attack
- Irukandji Syndrome (Box jellyfish sting)
- Kidney stones
- Migraine
- Pain after surgery
- Penile Fracture
- Peritonitis
- Postdural Puncture Headache (Spinal headache)
- Road Rash
- Sciatica
- Shingles
- Sickle cell disease
- Slipped disc
- Stomach ulcer
- Stonefish spike
- Tetanus
- Toothache
- Tooth Abscess
- Torn Achilles tendon
- Trigeminal neuralgia
1 - Understanding Pain: Classifications and Causes - List of the major types of pain including explanations of each type and subtype.
2 - Autistics Not Indifferent Nor Hypo-sensitive to Pain - This study questions the perception that people with autism experience less pain and instead suggests that they may have enhanced pain sensitivity.
3 - How We Experience Pain of Others - Study recorded from neurons of human patients shows that the pain of others is directly mapped onto neurons in the insula.
Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer
Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.
Cite This Page (APA): Langtree, I. C. (2016, May 20 - Last revised: 2024, October 16). Pain Scale Chart: 1 to 10 Levels. Disabled World. Retrieved December 13, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/health/pain/scale.php
Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/health/pain/scale.php">Pain Scale Chart: 1 to 10 Levels</a>: Comprehensive pain scale diagram and chart detailing explanations for each of the 1 to 10 classified pain levels.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it's important to note that our content is for general informational purposes only. We always recommend consulting qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.