D1 • How To Describe Pain

Ache and pain

Key distinction: pain is the general term. An ache is usually a continuous, dull form of pain. The distinction concerns the quality of the sensation, not simply its intensity.

Ache

A continuous, usually dull discomfort. It often appears in compounds such as backache, headache and toothache. Ache may also be used as a verb.

Question
“Does a warm shower soothe the aching muscle?”
Negative
“Her body does not ache when she rests.”
Statement
“After the marathon, her legs ached for several days.”

Pain

The general term for an unpleasant physical sensation. Pain can be mild or severe, sudden or gradual, and brief or persistent.

Question
“Did the pain begin suddenly?”
Negative
“I can hardly sleep at night because of the pain.”
Statement
“She experienced severe pain after twisting her ankle.”

Useful nouns and related terms

An ache: A continuous, dull pain that may persist for some time.“He has a dull ache in his lower back.”
Pain: The general term for physical suffering or discomfort; it may vary in intensity, duration and quality.“The pain from her sprained ankle was initially intense.”
A sting: A sudden, sharp, localised pain, often caused by an insect, a plant or contact with an irritating substance.“The bee sting caused immediate pain and swelling.”
A prick: A brief, sharp sensation caused by a small pointed object.“You may feel a slight prick when the needle enters the skin.”
A smarting sensation: A sharp, stinging or burning sensation, usually near the skin’s surface. Smart is more commonly used as a verb.“The antiseptic made the wound smart for a few seconds.”
Soreness: Tenderness or aching, often caused by overuse, injury or inflammation.“After the hike, she felt soreness in her legs and back.”
A twinge: A sudden, brief pain that may occur intermittently.“He felt a twinge in his knee as he climbed the stairs.”
Relief: The reduction or disappearance of pain or discomfort.“The treatment provided temporary relief.”

Pain adjectives

These words help a patient describe the quality and behaviour of pain. They are useful clues, but no single adjective proves a particular diagnosis.

Dull: A low-level, persistent sensation of pressure or aching.“It feels like a heavy weight pressing on my lower back.”
Sharp: A sudden, clearly defined pain that may feel as though something pointed is cutting or piercing the body.“I get a sharp pain when I turn my head.”
Throbbing: A rhythmic pain that pulses or beats.“The pain throbs in time with my heartbeat.”
Burning: A sensation of heat or fire.“There is a burning sensation across my shoulder.”
Stabbing: An abrupt, intense pain resembling a stab from a sharp object.“I felt a stabbing pain beneath my shoulder blade.”
Radiating: Pain that begins in one area and spreads to another.“The pain radiates from my lower back into my leg.”
Aching: A continuous, nagging discomfort that is not usually sharp.“My shoulders have been aching all day.”
Searing: An extremely intense burning pain.“A searing pain travelled across his upper back.”
Piercing: A highly localised, intense pain that feels as though the body is being punctured.“She felt a piercing pain behind her eye.”
Gnawing: A persistent, distressing pain that seems to wear away at the affected area.“He described a gnawing pain in his abdomen.”
Shooting: A sudden pain that travels rapidly along a particular path.“A shooting pain ran down the back of my leg.”
Excruciating: Extremely severe and difficult to tolerate.“The pain became excruciating when she tried to stand.”

Clinical note: Do not infer a diagnosis from a pain adjective alone. Ask about location, onset, duration, intensity, aggravating and relieving factors, associated symptoms and functional impact.

English for the Osteopath