When you are asked how bad your pain is from 0 – 10 do you understand what each number relates to?

0 – Completely pain-free ( I wish).

1 – Mild pain that is an annoyance with occasional minor twinges.

2 – Minor pain that can be annoying.

3 – Uncomfortable pain that you know about and is distracting but you can live with it.

4 – Moderate pain that can be ignored if involved with work but it is still distracting.

5 – Distracting pain that is quite strong and cannot be ignored for more than 30 minutes.

6 – Distressing pain that interferes with everyday activities. Can’t be ignored for any length of time, but you can still go to work and participate in social activities.

7 – Severe pain that dominates your senses and limits your ability to perform everyday activities and affects your sleep and makes it difficult to concentrate.

8 – Intense pain that severely affects physical activity, you can read and talk with effort. Nausea and dizziness may occur.

9 – Excruciating pain that makes it very difficult to even talk, crying out or moaning uncontrollably.

10 – Unspeakable pain which means you are bedridden and possibly delirious and could make you pass out.