Jun 18 2008
The McGill Pain Scale
The McGill Pain Questionnaire was established by Ronald Melzack to be a research tool from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. It helps patients define their pain more clearly; something that chronic pain sufferers sometimes say is hard to do.
To use the questionnaire, circle the words that describe your pain but do not circle more than one word in a group. Then when you have that done, go back and circle the three words in groups 1-10 that most convey your pain response. Pick the two words in groups 11-15 that do the same thing. Then pick one word in group 16. Finally, pick 1 word in groups 17-20. At the end you should have seven words that you can take to your doctor that will help describe both the quality of your pain and the intensity of it.
Group 1
Flickering, Pulsing, Quivering, Throbbing, Beating, Pounding
Group 2
Jumping, Flashing, Shooting
Group 3
Pricking, Boring, Drilling, Stabbing
Group 4
Sharp, Gritting, Lacerating
Group 5
Pinching, Pressing, Gnawing, Cramping, Crushing
Group 6
Tugging, Pulling, Wrenching
Group 7
Hot, Burning, Scalding, Searing
Group 8
Tingling, Itching, Smarting, Stinging
Group 9
Dull, Sore, Hurting, Aching, Heavy
Group 10
Tender, Taunt, Rasping, Splitting
Group 11
Tiring, Exhausting
Group 12
Sickening, Suffocating
Group 13
Fearful, Frightful, Terrifying
Group 14
Punishing, Grueling, Cruel, Vicious, Killing
Group 15
Wretched, Binding
Group 16
Annoying, Troublesome, Miserable, Intense, Unbearable
Group 17
Spreading, Radiating, Penetrating, Piercing
Group 18
Tight, Numb, Squeezing, Drawing, Tearing
Group 19
Cool, Cold, Freezing
Group 20
Nagging, Nauseating, Agonizing, Dreadful, Torturing
This is an interesting questionaire. It would help when people try to desribe their pain to a doctor.
Thanks for this! I tend to have a lot of trouble explaining my pain to both doctors and others. This should help
Sierra
http://anxiety.today.com