Why the Mankoski Pain Scale Is Essential for Neurodivergent, Hypermobile, and LGBTQ+ Healthcare
Navigating healthcare can feel like a maze—especially when you don’t fit into the neat little boxes the medical system often expects. For those who are neurodivergent, hypermobile, or part of the queer community, advocating for your needs can be exhausting. That’s where tools like the Mankoski Pain Scale come in, offering a way to bridge the gap between lived experiences and medical care.
What Is the Mankoski Pain Scale?
The Mankoski Pain Scale is a tool designed to help individuals describe their pain in a way that’s clear, consistent, and easy for healthcare providers to understand. Unlike the classic “1 to 10” pain scale that often leaves people guessing what each number means, the Mankoski scale pairs each level with specific descriptors—such as how pain interferes with daily life or whether medication helps manage it. This extra layer of detail makes it more user-friendly and accurate.
For example:
Level 2: Minor pain. Does not interfere with daily activities.
Level 5: Strong pain. Interferes with tasks and concentration but can still be managed.
Level 8: Intense pain. Physical activity severely limited, and assistance may be required.
This specificity can be a game-changer when trying to communicate subjective experiences like pain. As a patient, I was often using the numbers in reference to previous pains I had felt. This meant nothing to my providers and often left my pain being misunderstood or not taken seriously by providers. As a provider, I can tell you that they do not teach this pain scale in the American health system which is why I am providing it as a downloadable here.
Why This Matters for Neurodivergent People
Neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD, autism, PTSD or sensory processing differences, often experience and express pain differently than neurotypical individuals. You might struggle to identify or articulate what you’re feeling, especially in high-pressure situations like a doctor’s visit. The Mankoski scale offers a concrete, descriptive way to match your sensations to a number, reducing the stress of trying to “prove” your pain.
For example, if you’re someone who tends to downplay discomfort because you’re used to masking or minimizing your needs, the descriptors can validate your experience and make it harder for providers to dismiss you.
Why It’s Crucial for Hypermobile People
Those with hypermobility syndromes, such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), often deal with chronic pain that fluctuates in intensity. Traditional pain scales don’t account for this variability or the specific ways hypermobility-related pain impacts your daily life. The Mankoski scale provides a way to track patterns over time, helping you and your provider identify triggers and evaluate treatments.
Additionally, hypermobile individuals are frequently misdiagnosed or misunderstood. By using a scale that’s rooted in real-world functionality, you can better advocate for yourself and communicate the seriousness of your symptoms without fear of being brushed off.
Why This Tool Empowers Queer Patients
As a queer person, you might already face barriers to equitable healthcare, such as discrimination or lack of provider knowledge about LGBTQ+ health needs. Adding pain to the equation only complicates things. The Mankoski Pain Scale can help ensure your voice is heard, giving you a way to advocate for your needs with confidence.
Queer individuals also experience higher rates of mental health challenges, which can complicate pain perception. For instance, anxiety or trauma might amplify your pain experience, or you might feel reluctant to speak up due to past medical gaslighting. The Mankoski scale helps level the playing field, offering a structured way to communicate that doesn’t rely solely on verbal explanations.
How to Use the Mankoski Pain Scale at Your Next Appointment
Familiarize Yourself with the Scale: Before your appointment, review the Mankoski scale and think about how it applies to your experiences. Write down examples if that helps.
Bring It with You: Print out a copy or save it on your phone. If your provider isn’t familiar with it, explain why it’s helpful for you.
Track Your Pain: Consider keeping a pain diary using the scale to show patterns over time. This can give your provider valuable context and help you advocate for appropriate treatment.
Advocate for Its Use: If you find the scale helpful, don’t hesitate to recommend it to others in your community or suggest it to healthcare providers.
Final Thoughts
The Mankoski Pain Scale isn’t just a tool; it’s a lifeline for those whose experiences often fall outside the medical norm. Whether you’re neurodivergent, hypermobile, queer, or all of the above, having a clear way to communicate your pain can make a world of difference. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about being seen, heard, and believed.
So, the next time you find yourself struggling to explain your pain, remember: you have the right to tools that support your unique needs. And the Mankoski Pain Scale might just be one of the most powerful tools in your advocacy toolkit.
