visual analog scale (for pain)

A visual analog scale (VAS) for pain is a simple tool that helps people express how intense their pain feels. It typically appears as a straight line, usually 10 centimeters long, with endpoints labeled "no pain" on one end and "worst pain imaginable" on the other. Patients mark a point on the line that best represents their current pain level. Healthcare providers then measure the distance from the "no pain" end to the mark, providing a numerical value that helps assess and track pain over time. This method offers a quick, objective way to quantify subjective pain experiences.