The Miller Pain Scale for Rheumatoid Arthritis

                 The Miller Pain Scale for Rheumatoid Arthritis

                                        Copyright 2005 Dawn Miller
                All rights reserved, right to copy with attribution freely granted.


0    Pain Free.                                              No medication needed.

1    Very Minor annoyance,                            No medication needed.
      occasional minor twinges.

2    Mild discomfort.                                      Mild painkillers, nsaids, are effective.

3    Annoying, occasional                               Mild painkillers relief pain for 3-4
      breakthrough pain.                                  hours, medication a must.

4    Distracting pain, but able to                      Medication a must.
     function at 100%.

5    Distracting pain, can’t be ignored,             Medication a must and limits
      must make adjustments and                    required on activities, work.
      limits to activities and work.


6    Pain constant, can still function                 Stronger painkillers required,
      but only with additional pain                     such as codeine, ultram, vicodin.
      medications and limits. Ability                   Activities must be limited.
      to function at approx. 75%.


7    Pain constant, making it difficult                Stronger painkillers partially
      to concentrate or sleep. Can                     effective.  Activities must be
      still function but requires constant             limited more.
      effort, personal care is slightly
      limited.


8    Physical activity severely limited,                Stronger painkillers are only
      very difficult to concentrate, you are          minimally effective.  Limits to
      functioning at or below 50% of                  activities and grooming a must,
      normal for work, activities, personal           and rest required.
      care is moderately limited.


9    Constant moderate pain, unable to             Strongest painkillers are minimally
      work, or do any activities.  Only able          effective.  Pain is a constant, rest
      to address most basic required                  required, and you are basically 
      personal needs.                                       limited to your house; couch and bed.
                                                                                    

10    Pain unbearable, near or in delirium,        Hospital intervention is required.
       becoming unconscious is a possibility.