Pain rating scale 0-10

We’ve all been asked to rate our pain. I find the chart with the round emoji-like faces to be lacking and not helpful. Since I tend to underrate my pain, it is often shrugged off by healthcare providers. I am always rating at the lower end. After all nurse, I did make it to the appointment and am talking. For perspective, I once reached level 8 at home and seriously asked my wife to knock me out with a blunt object.

Here’s my descriptive pain scale:

0. No pain

1. Mild tenderness, must aggravate area to cause discomfort

2. Ouch. You notice the pain regularly throughout the day and night.

3. It’s making tasks harder or makes one slow down pace to lessen aggravation. Interferes with physical tasks.

4. You can see it on one’s face. Pain is starting to push everything else out and take center stage in the mind.

5. Pain is limiting and causes mild anxiety. Having trouble listening and following conversations. Sleeping is difficult.

6. Anxiety is persistent due to intensity of pain. Can’t follow a story or conversation topic. Only short answers. Occasionally cries out.

7. The pain is now audible. The person makes pain sounds such as grunting, moaning, crying out. Body writhes. Anxiety turns to terror.

8. Bargaining. Person will bargain with the situation, and whoever is near. Pain sounds are now yelling, and shouting and or crying.

9. Person cannot form sentences or listen. Screaming and crying. Thrashing of the body.

10. Absolute horror. Worst pain of one’s life.

Does this sound familiar to my pain pals out there?