0: No pain at all

1-3: Mild pain - doesn't interfere with activities

4-6: Moderate pain - interferes with activities

7-8: Severe pain - difficult to ignore

9-10: Very severe - unable to function

Emergency (9-10): Go to ER immediately

Urgent (7-8): Contact doctor within hours

Moderate (4-6): Schedule appointment

Mild (1-3): Monitor and self-care