It's always easier to understand another's pain if the same scale (or similar) is used. Pain is really subjective. Using a numerical guide adds objectivity. Here is one main one that many doctors use.

Pain Levels

0 - None

1 - 3 MILD nagging, annoying, little interference with daily living

4 - 6 MODERATE significant interfernce with daily living

7 - 10 SEVERE disability, unable to perform activitites of daily living

For children, elderly, and others who become confused easily, smilie faces are used. (Smiling, straight blah face, annoyed, sad, crying)


Some other descriptions of pain: (caution, may trigger some people)

aching, acute, burning, blinding, bright, choking, chronic, cramping, crushing, cutting, deep, dull, excruciating, exhausting, fleeting, gnawing, intense, intermittent, nagging, nauseating, numbing, oppressive, penetrating, piercing, pinching, pins and needles, pulsing, radiating, sore, searing, sharp, shooting, slight, stabbing, stinging, stitch, throbbing, transient, twinging, unbearable

For your doctor, also keep track of what time of day the pain begins (or worsens), what makes it worse,(weather, stretching etc) what helps it lessen,(ice, heat, stretching etc) how long it lasts (minutes, days) (does it flare and go away, gradually increases, peaks quickly but goes away slowly?)

Keeping a pain journal until you really know your pain will help.

Good wishes in your battle!