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Journal of Chiropractic Medicine logoLink to Journal of Chiropractic Medicine
. 2005;4(1):43–44. doi: 10.1016/S0899-3467(07)60112-8

Measuring Pain. Visual Analog Scale Versus Numeric Pain Scale: What is the Difference?

Claire Johnson *
PMCID: PMC2647033  PMID: 19674646

Abstract

Outcome measures are helpful in demonstrating patient response to care and therefore an important part of providing best care for our patients. Using paper scoring systems is one way that doctors of chiropractic can document patient progress. This update provides a brief review of the characteristics and applications of the visual analog scale (VAS) and numeric pain scale (NPS).

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