Assessment Questions

Question 1

Location (L):

Answer 1

Question: Can you show me where you are feeling discomfort? Specifically, where is the pain located?

Question 2

Mechanism of Injury (M):

Answer 2

Question: How did this discomfort or pain start? Can you tell me about any specific incidents or activities that may have caused it?
Follow-up: Has this type of discomfort occurred before, and if so, can you describe the circumstances?

Question 3

Nature of Pain (N):

Answer 3

Question: Can you describe the nature of the discomfort or pain? Is it constant, intermittent, or does it come and go?
Follow-up: How would you characterize the feeling? Dull, achy, sharp, burning, electrifying, or throbbing?

Question 4

Onset (O):

Answer 4

Question: When did you first notice this discomfort or pain? Can you recall any specific events leading up to it?
Follow-up: How long have you been experiencing this discomfort, and has it changed over time?

Question 5

Pain Level (P):

Answer 5

Question: On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being no pain and 10 being unbearable, how would you rate your current pain level?
Follow-up: Can you describe any variations in the intensity of the pain throughout the day or week?

Question 6

Quality of Pain (Q):

Answer 6

Question: Could you elaborate on the quality of the pain? For example, is it a sharp stabbing pain, a dull ache, or a throbbing sensation?
Follow-up: Are there specific factors or activities that seem to influence the quality of the pain?

Question 7

Referral (R):

Answer 7

Question: Does the discomfort or pain refer to another location on your body? Can you describe any radiating sensations?
Follow-up: Have you noticed the pain spreading or moving to different areas over time?

Question 8

Systemic (S):

Answer 8

Question: Are there any underlying health conditions or systemic issues that you think I should be aware of?
Follow-up: Do you have any known medical conditions like heart conditions, diabetes, or respiratory issues?

Question 9

Timing (T):

Answer 9

Question: When do you typically feel the discomfort or pain? Is it more prominent in the morning, evening, during specific activities, or at rest?
Follow-up: Can you describe any patterns or triggers related to the timing of the discomfort?

Question 10

Underlying Factor (U):

Answer 10

Question: Is there anything else I should be aware of that may contribute to your discomfort? For example, headaches, the use of assistive devices, or other relevant factors?

Question 11

Work Environment:

Answer 11

“Can you describe your work environment and the physical demands of your job?”
“Do you experience any physical discomfort or stress related to your work?”

Question 12

Lifestyle Habits:

Answer 12

“What are your exercise habits, if any?”
What makes it better? (Heating pad, massage, stretching)
What makes it worse? (Ergonomics, poor self-care, poor posture)
Are your activities of daily living affected? (e.g., brushing teeth, putting clothes on, shoulder checking when driving, carrying a backpack)

Question 13

Previous Health Professional

Answer 13

“Have you seen any other healthcare professionals for this issue before coming to see me?”

Question 14

Medication Inquiry

Answer 14

“Are you currently taking any medications or supplements?”