Pain levels

Mild pain can be uncomfortable or annoying. It’s usually rated between 1 and 4 on the pain scale. If you have mild pain, you can still do your daily activities. It usually resolves by itself.¹

Mild pain might come and go, but moderate pain is always there. It can stop you from doing some of your daily activities.^1,2

You may find things more difficult than usual, or you may find it hard to concentrate. Moderate pain is usually between 5–7 on the pain scale.¹

Like moderate pain, severe pain is always there. Severe pain may make it almost impossible to speak, move or even think. Severe pain is 8–9 on the pain scale.^1,2

Unbearable pain is the worst pain imaginable. Call 999 if you have unbearable pain.¹

If you need to speak to your pharmacist or GP about the pain you’re feeling, it’s important to give them as much detail as you can. This will help them suggest treatment and strategies to help relieve your pain.

Maintain a pain diary. To keep track of your symptoms and when you’re most affected by them, you can note down: how your pain impacts your daily activities, whether you're taking any medication, if your symptoms worsen when you eat, as well as the ways your pain is affecting your mental wellbeing.

Discuss the feelings your pain causes. Do you have stabbing pain, numbness or weakness? Jotting down the sensations you feel when going through a painful episode, can help in defining the condition that might be behind your pain and how it should be managed.

Explain whether your pain is debilitating. If you can't complete everyday tasks, then you might have debilitating pain. If you can’t get out of bed, struggle to walk or are struggling to cope as a result of your pain, you should let your pharmacist or GP know.