The best way to explain your pain to a doctor

The traditional 0 to 10 scale works for triaging, but for longer-term management, your medical providers need to know not just how much you're hurting, but also how the pain is affecting you — the things it is stopping you from doing.

CBS Photo Archive/CBS via Getty Images Democratic socialist groups are booming in America. Here’s what they believe — and what they want to do Membership in the Democratic Socialists of America has gone up sevenfold, to about 43,000 nationwide, in three years. The group views capitalism as oppressive and “fundamentally undemocratic” and believes some sectors of the economy, like health care and utilities, should be government-controlled — though it’s pragmatic in its pursuit of those ideals. With a primary victory in New York, Democratic socialists are poised to have a face on the national stage for the first time in 20 years. Facebook Twitter Jill Brady/Press Herald via Getty Images Fewer teens have summer jobs than ever; guidance counselors think that’s great Flipping burgers or stocking shelves won’t prepare them for a career as well as an unpaid internship or a good summer camp will, one high school counselor says. Teens won’t need much convincing — their participation in the workforce has fallen in the past 20 years to 35 percent. And post-recession, even college students are facing extra competition from older workers. Facebook Twitter Andreas Solaro/AFP/Getty Images If your doctor misunderstands your pain, you won’t just be uncomfortable — it could hamper your treatment and recovery Being clear not just about how much pain you're feeling but also about how it's limiting you can help clinicians choose the right mix of therapies or medications. For injuries, that could mean being able to properly do your physical therapy. For chronic pain, it could allow you to stay as active as possible. That kind of clarity can also reduce problems like overprescription of opiates. Facebook Twitter Andreas Solaro/AFP/Getty Images In some cities, you can’t work construction unless you know your archaeology Gilberto Pagani is a bulldozer operator working to expand Rome's subway system near the Coliseum. But even 40 feet deep, the crew keeps running into artifacts — "gold rings … glasswork laminated in gold depicting a Roman god, some amphoras." Even an entire house belonging to a military commander, its vibrant decorations intact. The line was supposed to be ready in 2000, but at least commuters will get to enjoy the reason for the delay: Artifacts will be exhibited at the new stations. Facebook Twitter Nate Hegyi/Yellowstone Public Radio When no one is watching, it’s easy for women to disappear without a trace Annita Lucchesi discovered no one was keeping track of the number of native women who go missing or are mysteriously killed in the United States and Canada, which may be as high as 300 a year. Most cases don’t need to be reported to national authorities like the FBI. Lucchesi so far has documented about 2,000 cases from recent years. That list includes her 20-year-old former student, Ashley Loring, who vanished on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation more than a year ago. Facebook Twitter You received this message because you're subscribed to our Best of NPR emails. |  Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy | NPR 1111 N. CAPITOL ST. NE WASHINGTON DC 20002