Interactive: Where does it hurt?

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Be in charge of your own health care

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Not all aches and pains are created equal. Some disappear as quickly (and mysteriously) as they came. Others can lead to sleepless nights or time off work. If your pain warrants a visit to your doctor’s office, be prepared to be precise. This tool will help you do just that

Your doctor will likely ask you a myriad of questions about the pain you feel. When did it start? Do you know what caused it? What type of pain do you feel? Being prepared to answer these questions accurately will give your doctor a clearer view of how to treat it.

Use this interactive tool to pinpoint your tender spots. Click on the area of your body where you feel pain, then complete the interactive fields and print it out before your doctor’s appointment. This way, you’ll be more likely to provide the answers your doctor needs.

Click on the area of your body where you feel pain, then complete the interactive fields and print it out before your doctor’s appointment.

What type of pain do you feel here?
Burning
Discomfort
Dull
Numb
Sharp
Shooting
Stabbing
Tender
Throbbing
Tingling
How severe is the pain you feel?
1 — Very mild (I can perform all of my daily activities without problems)
2 — Mild (I usually feel it only when I think about it)
3 — Moderate (I cannot perform some of my daily activities)
4 — Severe (I cannot perform most of my daily activities)
5 — Very Severe (I cannot perform any of my daily activities)
6 — Intense/Relentless (The pain is overwhelming and is all that I feel)
When did the pain start?
In the last 24 hours
1-3 days ago
3-7 days ago
Over a week ago
When is the pain at its worst?
When is the pain at its mildest?
If you know, what caused the pain to begin with?
What makes the pain worse?
What makes the pain better?
Has the pain caused other symptoms? (For example, loss of sleep or appetite, fatigue.)
What have you tried to alleviate the pain? (For example, compresses or over-the-counter medication.)



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References
  • Action on Pain (UK): website
  • American Academy of Family Physicians: website
  • American Pain Foundation: website
  • Princess Margaret Hospital, the Brief Pain Inventory: website
  • Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, Nursing Best Practice Guidelines, Assessment and Management of Pain: website

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