CHARACTERISTICS OF PAIN

 Anatomical location where the pain is felt- the patient should be asked to point to the area
affected. He should be asked whether the pain is deep or superficial.
 Origin and mode of onset- the onset may be spontaneous or it may be triggered by certain
activities or stimulus.
 Intensity of pain- intensity should be established by differentiating between mild and severe
pain.
 Nature of pain- the general quality of pain should be classified as how it makes the patient feel.
 Progression of pain- the progression of pain should be noted.
 Duration of pain- A pain is said to be momentary if it is expressed in seconds. The pain that
continues from one day to next is said to be protracted.
 Movement of pain- radiation of pain, referred pain and shifting or migration of pain.
 Localization behavior- determination of pain localization should be made in the description of
the behavior. This include whether pain is localized or diffuse, radiating or spreading and
enlarging or migrating.
 SOCRATES is a mnemonic used by health professionals to evaluate the nature of pain
SOCRATES
S Site Where is the pain?
O Onset When did the pain start, and was it sudden or gradual?
C Character What is the pain like? An ache? Stabbing?
R Radiation Does the pain radiate anywhere?
A Associations Any other signs or symptoms associated with the pain?
T Time course Does the pain follow any pattern?

E Exacerbating/Relieving factors Does anything change the pain?

S Severity How bad is the pain?