0
No pain
MildNo pain at all. You feel completely normal.
Patient resource
The 0–10 Pain Scale
A clear way to describe what you're feeling so your doctor can help faster. Use this scale before an appointment, when you call an office, or when you request a visit through Help Me Find A Doctor.
1
Barely noticeable
MildVery mild pain — easy to ignore. You're aware of it but it doesn't affect anything.
2
Minor
MildMinor pain — noticeable but doesn't change what you're doing.
3
Annoying
MildAnnoying pain — distracting at times but you can stay focused.
4
Distracting
ModerateDistracting pain — you can still work and move, but pain is consistently present.
5
Moderate — hard to ignore
ModerateModerate pain — interrupts your concentration and you have to stop and rest.
6
Distressing
ModerateDistressing pain — hard to focus on anything else, affects activity and mood.
7
Severe — limits daily life
SevereSevere pain — limits daily activities. Sleep is interrupted. Worth contacting your doctor soon.
8
Very severe
SevereVery severe pain — most activities are difficult. Talking and concentrating are hard.
9
Excruciating
SevereExcruciating pain — you can barely tolerate it; you may feel nauseous or unable to talk.
10
Unbearable
SevereUnbearable pain — you cannot move, speak normally, or function. Seek urgent care.
Before you call
Note the level, where the pain is, how long it's been there, and what makes it better or worse. Bring this with you to the visit.
Be specific
Sharp, dull, burning, throbbing, achy — adjectives help your clinician decide what to investigate. Mention activities you can't do anymore.
When to seek urgent care
Pain of 8+ with chest pressure, sudden weakness, slurred speech, severe head injury, or uncontrolled bleeding — call 911 instead of waiting for an office visit.
Ready to talk to a doctor?
Find a clinician near you. When you request an appointment through a pain-treating specialty, you'll see this scale built into the form so the office can prioritise your visit.