The 3 different assessment tools for pain are verbal rating scales, numeric rating scales, and visual analogue scales.
Other assessment tools for pain also include.
Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)
Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS)
Adult Non-Verbal Pain Scale (NVPS)
Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale (PAINAD)
Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS)
Critical-Care Observation Tool (CPOT)
Things you should not tell your pain management doctor are threats, being mean about things, don't tell the doctor you're simply always in pain or sometimes in pain.
Be as descriptive about the pain and where the pain comes from and where you're in pain and how bad the pain is.
To tell your doctor you're in pain you should explain to them that you're in pain and let them know where the pain is coming from and how often it is happening and let them know what things are aggravating the pain as well.
Be as descriptive as possible about the pain so the doctor can know more about the pain.
To get your doctor to take your pain more seriously be as descriptive about the pain as you can.
Describe in detail as good as you can about the pain, where it's located, when it hurts and if it hurts more when you do something such as move or lift something.
Tell your doctor that you're in severe pain and sometimes a doctor will take the pain more seriously.
If your doctor still does not take your pain seriously you may want to see another doctor who will take your pain seriously.
If you feel your primary care doctor doesn't take your symptoms seriously, ask for a referral to a specialist or go to a different practice for a second opinion.
A fresh set of eyes can be extremely helpful.
Review how to present your symptoms factually, clearly, quickly, and without unnecessary minutiae.
How to Describe Your Pain to the Doctor
Where do you feel the pain?
Tell your doctor all of the areas you are experiencing pain.
What kind of pain are you feeling?
Please be as specific as you can.
How often do you feel pain? Is it chronic or acute?
How severe is the pain?
Keep a pain diary.
Learn more precise words to describe your pain.
Explain exactly how your pain limits your life.
Clarify what the numbers on the pain scale mean for you.
Be aware of potential bias — and bring it up proactively.
Bring someone to back you up.
Some things you can do at home to treat your pain include.
Heat and cold.
Topical medication.
Over the counter pain medication.
Taking your prescribed pain medication.
Stretching and light exercise.
Getting your feelings out.
Using positive mantras.