Pain Severity, Adult or Child (Not Baby)

Pain in adults and older children Severe pain (8 to 10) : The pain is so bad that you can’t stand it for more than a few hours, can’t sleep, and can’t do anything else except focus on the pain. Moderate pain (5 to 7) : The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for…

Pain Severity, Adult or Child (Not Baby)

Pain Severity, Adult or Child (Not Baby)

Pain in adults and older children

  • Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that you can’t stand it for more than a few hours, can’t sleep, and can’t do anything else except focus on the pain.
  • Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it’s severe when it’s there.
  • Mild pain (1 to 4): You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.

Credits

Current as ofJune 26, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine

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