Randall Chronic Pain Scale
Copyright © 1995-2006 Lois Randall


Pain Level Description Comments
10
Word that describes what "10" means to you.
(What is your functional ability at this level of pain? Describe briefly.)
  • Give examples of what causes a "10".
  • How often or what % of your day are you at this level?
  • What do you do to relieve this level of pain?
    		•
    8
    Word that describes what "8" means to you.
    (What is your functional ability at this level of pain? Describe briefly.)
  • Give examples of what causes an "8".
  • How often or what % of your day are you at this level?
  • What do you do to relieve this level of pain?
    		•
    6
    Word that describes what "6" means to you.
    (What is your functional ability at this level of pain? Describe briefly.)
  • Give examples of what causes a "6".
  • How often or what % of your day are you at this level?
  • What do you do to relieve this level of pain?
    		•
    4
    Word that describes what "4" means to you.
    (What is your functional ability at this level of pain? Describe briefly.)
  • Give examples of what causes a "4".
  • How often or what % of your day are you at this level?
  • What do you do to relieve this level of pain?
    		•
    2
    Word that describes what "2" means to you.
    (What is your functional ability at this level of pain? Describe briefly.)
  • Give examples of what causes a "2".
  • How often or what % of your day are you at this level?
  • What do you do to relieve this level of pain?
    		•
    0
    Pain Free
    (What is your functional level when your pain is a "0"? Describe briefly.)
  • Give examples of when your pain level is a "0".
  • How often or what % of your day are you pain free?
  • What do you do to maintain "0" pain?

    • Example 1

    Pain Level Description Comments
    10
    TOTALLY DISABLING,
    Must take care of pain.
    		Happens during flare-ups which are frequent and are related to activity, weather, etc.
    8
    SEVERE,
    Can't concentrate and can't do all but simple things.
    		Happens daily, by mid or late afternoon. Relieved by meds and slowing activity.
    6
    DISTRESSFUL,
    But able to continue some physical activity.
    		My normal condition.
    4
    TOLERABLE,
    Can be ignored somewhat.
    		Late evening, if I've taken meds and rested.
    2
    MILD,
    Only aware of pain when focused on.
    		Rare, very rare.
    0
    PAIN FREE
    		I haven't been pain free in 20 years.

    Example 2

    Patient after changed treatment plan.

    Pain Level Description Comments
    10
    DISABLING,
    Must take care of pain.
    		Happens during flare-ups which are related to activity, weather, etc.; Normal state w/o medication.
    8
    SEVERE,
    Can't concentrate and can't do all but simple things.
    		Relieved by "rescue" meds and stopping activity.
    6
    MODERATE,
    But able to continue some physical activity.
    		Increases with activity. Happens daily.
    4
    TOLERABLE,
    Can be ignored somewhat.
    		Some pain. My usual condition with current treatment options.
    2
    MILD,
    Aware of undercurrent of mild pain.
    		Often relieved by changing activity or position.
    0
    PAIN FREE
    		I haven't been pain free in 20 years.