Pain!!! The 5th Vital Sign

Pain Stinks!

When you go see a doctor they usually take your vitals.

Temperature

Blood pressure

Pulse

Respiratory Rate

But the 5th just may be the hardest vital sign to measure.  Its the only vital sign that is subjective from one person to the next.

PAIN:  How much does it hurt?

All the other vital signs are objective in nature and can be measured with or without a patients help, but the 5th Vital Sign is subjective to a persons perceived pain tolerance.  What maybe a mind blowing pain for one person maybe a walk in the park for someone else.  So how does one measure pain and whats the point anyways.  Let me explain really brief what a simple guide to understanding it all is.

Pain is measured on a scale 0-10 , 0 10 being the worse pain.

It usually helps to know what the person is basing his or her pain off of as well.  If a 10 is a losing a finger or giving birth, and a patient tells me the pain is a 10 I know its serious!

Now what about the different types of pains?  This is where one can really understand what their body is telling them.

1. Dull Achy
2. Boring Sharp
3. Sharp Stabbing
4. Sharp Shooting/Travels

Dull Achy:

These pains are usually not as serious on the surface.  An achy back, a sore neck from sleeping wrong etc.  These pains are usually associated with muscle pains and can be address with minimal care.  The problem we run into though sometimes is that reoccurring chronic dull achy pain that wont go away.

Boring Sharp:

This pain should be given special attention due to the nature of the pain. It can have underlying conditions that warrant serious medical attention.  This pain can also be associated with a muscle bruise.

Sharp Stabbing:

This pain can be several things, to name just a few for times sack.  Twisted ankle pain, jammed finger pain, back pain from trying to lift something to heavy and getting a localized sharp pain.  The list goes on and on, but to be sure one must be aware of the incident that caused the pain and seek medical attention right away.  Ice as many know should be applied in the first 72 hours of a sprain/strain.

Sharp Shooting/Travels:

This is by far the worst pain and is a RED FLAG when it comes to diagnosing a patients condition.  This pain is usually due to a irritation of the nervous system and warrants IMMEDIATE attention.  It can be from several things but the underlying irritation of the nerve should be taken serious.  Nerve damage if not treated correctly can cause permanent damage.