Mnemonics make it easy...

The mnemonic 'SOCRATES' can he helpful in remembering the different questions to ask when taking a pain history.

SOCRATES

Site - Where is the pain?
Onset - When/how did the pain start (e.g. sudden, gradual?)
Character - Describe the pain (e.g. dull ache, sharp stabbing)
Radiation - Does the pain move anywhere?
Associations - Any symptoms/signs associated with the pain?
Timing - How has the pain changed over time?
Exacerbating/Relieving factors - Does anything worsen/relieve the pain?
Severity - How bad is the pain on a scale of 1(mild) to 10 (worst ever).