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Learning About the 0-to-10 Pain Scale

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Pain scale showing faces with increasing pain from zero with no pain to 10 with the worst pain

This figure has been reproduced with permission from the International Association for the Study of Pain® (IASP®). The figure may not be reproduced for any other purpose without permission.

What is the 0-to-10 pain scale?

Everyone feels pain differently. A pain scale is one way for a person to measure his or her pain so that the doctor can plan how best to manage it. The pain scale helps the doctor keep track of how well your treatment plan is working to reduce your pain and help you do daily tasks.

Most pain scales use numbers from 0 to 10. A score of 0 means no pain, and 10 means the worst pain you have ever known.

Your medical team will help you manage your pain in a variety of ways. Pain management may include changing your position, using ice or heat, or taking medicine.

The pain scale

  • 0 = No pain.
  • 1 = Pain is very mild, barely noticeable. Most of the time you don't think about it.
  • 2 = Minor pain. It's annoying. You may have sharp pain now and then.
  • 3 = Noticeable pain. It may distract you, but you can get used to it.
  • 4 = Moderate pain. If you are involved in an activity, you're able to ignore the pain for a while. But it is still distracting.
  • 5 = Moderately strong pain. You can't ignore it for more than a few minutes. But with effort you can still work or do some social activities.
  • 6 = Moderately stronger pain. You avoid some of your normal daily activities. You have trouble concentrating.
  • 7 = Strong pain. It keeps you from doing normal activities.
  • 8 = Very strong pain. It's hard to do anything at all.
  • 9 = Pain that is very hard to bear. You can't carry on a conversation.
  • 10 = Worst pain possible.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.