If you’ve been injured on the job in Colorado, you’ve likely faced the familiar question during your medical appointments:
“On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your pain?”
It sounds simple, but for many injured workers, this question can create confusion, anxiety, and even unintended damage to their workers’ compensation claims. At Kaplan Morrell, we help clients understand that how you describe your pain can directly impact how your injury is treated, how your doctor records your case, and how insurance carriers respond.
Here’s what you need to know about the pain scale and how to use it wisely when speaking with doctors during your workers’ compensation journey.
What Does the Pain Scale Actually Mean?
The pain scale is meant to give doctors a quick snapshot of how much discomfort you’re experiencing at any given moment. It ranges from:
- 0: No pain at all
- 10: The most severe pain imaginable—pain so intense that you are incapable of basic functioning
The problem is, most doctors don’t explain what the numbers mean. They simply ask for a number and move on. That leaves injured workers to guess, often using inconsistent or overly dramatic numbers that can hurt their case later.
For example, if you tell the doctor your pain is a 9 or 10, but you’re able to sit comfortably, walk, or hold a conversation during the exam, the doctor may note that your complaints seem exaggerated or inconsistent with your presentation. This becomes ammunition for the insurance company, which is always looking for ways to minimize or deny treatment and benefits.
How to Use the Pain Scale Accurately
To avoid common pitfalls, it’s important to understand how doctors and insurance companies interpret the pain scale.
In general:
- A 10 out of 10 pain level suggests a life-threatening crisis—such as the pain of a major trauma, catastrophic burn, or unrelenting agony that leaves you unable to move, speak, or function. People at this level would typically be in an emergency room or require immediate hospitalization.
- A 9 out of 10 suggests you are bedridden, unable to eat, get dressed, or even care for yourself without help. It would indicate the need for urgent medical intervention.
- A 7 or 8 indicates severe, disruptive pain—but you are still able to function at some basic level. You may be able to attend medical appointments, but with clear signs of discomfort.
- A 5 or 6 reflects moderate pain, where you are uncomfortable but still capable of daily activities with some limitations.
Many injured workers think that by using a higher number, they’ll be taken more seriously. Unfortunately, the opposite is often true. Inflated pain scores can lead doctors to believe that you’re exaggerating or malingering, which can seriously harm your credibility and your claim.
How Doctors Use Your Pain Reports
In the workers’ compensation system, doctors are often tasked with making decisions about:
- Whether you need surgery or advanced treatment
- How long you should remain off work
- Whether your complaints match clinical findings (like MRIs or X-rays)
If there’s a disconnect between what you report and what the doctor observes, you may find your treatment denied or your impairment rating reduced. This is a tactic frequently used by insurance carriers to challenge or minimize claims.
Some doctors—especially those hired by insurance companies—are looking for any opportunity to label your complaints as “excessive” or “inconsistent” with the medical evidence. This can be used to justify a decision not to recommend surgery, deny additional care, or suggest that you’re fully recovered when you are not.
How to Talk About Your Pain Honestly and Effectively
To protect yourself:
- Be honest about your pain level at that exact moment—don’t try to “game” the system by inflating your number.
- If your pain fluctuates, say so. For example: “Right now, it’s a 4, but on bad days or after certain activities, it shoots up to an 8.”
- Describe the impact on your daily life. Sometimes words can paint a clearer picture than numbers alone. For example: “I can no longer lift grocery bags, climb stairs without pain, or sleep through the night.”
- Ask the doctor to note both your baseline pain and your flare-up pain, so both aspects are documented.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Many injured workers assume that doctors, by default, are working in their best interest. Unfortunately, in the workers’ compensation system, that’s often not the case. Doctors chosen by the insurance carrier are sometimes more focused on minimizing the cost of care than on providing you with the help you truly need.
This is why having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney by your side is essential. Call us today at 303-780-7329 for a free, confidential consultation.
