Definition

Refers to the way in which a person shows that he or she is in pain. People can express pain verbally or through changes in behavior, such as crying, moaning, groaning, facial grimacing, restlessness, agitation, or depression. Other examples of pain expression include trouble moving around (such as limping), guarding an area of pain on the body, flinching when touched, and trouble sleeping or eating. People may express pain in different ways depending on many external factors, including their family, social interactions, and culture.