Why pain is so hard to describe
Pain is invisible. In the consulting room there is no scan for the feeling that has been with you for weeks – there are only your words. And those often vanish the moment the door closes: you're nervous, time is short, and weeks of ups and downs shrink to a quick "it just hurts".
Describing your pain calmly beforehand means you walk in prepared. You don't need any medical vocabulary. It's enough to answer the questions that come up almost every time anyway.
The questions doctors almost always ask
Where exactly does it hurt, and does the pain stay in one place or spread? What does it feel like? How strong is it now, at its worst, and on average? How long have you had it, and is it constant or does it come in flare-ups? What makes it better, what makes it worse? And what does it stop you from doing in everyday life?
The tool above follows exactly this order. You don't have to answer every question – every detail you're sure about already helps.
Why the right words matter
"Stabbing", "burning" or "dull" sounds like a small detail, but it's important information. The type of pain – clinicians call it the quality of pain – helps your doctor ask the right follow-up questions and choose the right examinations. Interpreting it is their job; yours is simply to describe what you feel as precisely as you can.
Often several words fit at once, such as "dull and sometimes stabbing". Then pick both. And if none of them fits, describe it with a comparison from your everyday life – that's at least as helpful.
How to use the summary in your appointment
Print the page or save it as a PDF and hand it over at the start of the appointment. Many people find it easier to put the sheet on the desk than to recall everything from memory. Your questions are right there too, so none are left unanswered.
The page shows how things are today. How pain changes over weeks, what triggers it and what helps only shows up over time – that's what a pain diary is for.
Types of pain explained: which word fits?
Doctors use these words too when they ask what your pain is like. The explanations are deliberately simple.
- stabbing
- like a sharp jab, often sudden and easy to pinpoint
- burning
- hot, like a burn or sunburn
- throbbing
- pulsing in a rhythm, like a heartbeat
- dull
- deep and hard to pinpoint, more of a background ache
- pulling
- as if something is being stretched or tugged
- electric / shooting
- like an electric shock, sometimes shooting in one direction
- cramping
- tightening, often coming in waves
- pressing
- like a weight or a tight band
- tingling
- like pins and needles or a leg that has fallen asleep
- radiating
- starts in one place and spreads to another
- tender to touch
- even light pressure or clothing hurts
- boring
- persistent, as if something is drilling in
Frequently asked questions
Are my answers stored or sent anywhere?
No. The tool runs entirely in your browser. Your answers are not sent to us or to anyone else, and they're not stored on your device either. Close or reload the page and they're gone.
Does the tool give a diagnosis?
No. It only helps you put your pain into words. It doesn't analyse anything and doesn't make recommendations. Interpreting your symptoms is up to your doctor.
How do I save the summary as a PDF?
Tap "Print or save as PDF" and choose "Save as PDF" in the print dialog. On a phone, the option is usually in the share or print menu.
What if none of the words fit?
Leave the selection empty and write a comparison under "More detail", for example "like sore muscles that never go away". Your own words are just as valuable.
Read more
This tool only helps you describe your pain. It does not diagnose, does not assess your answers and does not replace medical advice. If pain is sudden, very severe or unusual for you, get medical help right away – in an emergency, call your local emergency number.