"Pain scales" were created as a way for medical personnel to assess pain and the outcome of pain management interventions. We don't always love them either, lol, but the Joint Commission (the group that accredits hospitals) requires that we assess pain frequently. Where I work it's every four hours or more. You have to remember that not everyone's mental or physical capacity is at the same level. It's simplified so almost everyone can understand and use it. But it is very subjective. Additionally, not everyone can use the numeric scale - some people don't speak the language, or may have special needs, lots of possibilities, so there are other ways to assess pain as well. One way is using a "smiley face" scale. Doctors and especially nurses are also trained in assessing pain in classic ways, by observing the patient and non-verbal cues. It's not an exact science, but it is generally helpful. I've seen many patients talking on their phones or brushing their hair saying their pain is a "10" (or "11"). Most people whose pain is a ten or eleven don't care if the building's on fire, they can't do much other than deal with their pain. Pain management issues are always interesting.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pain_assessment
I've had frustrations in the hospital myself with pain. (And I'm generally pretty stoic, too.) Once, after delivering my babies and in the setting of a hemorrhage, I was writhing in pain and begging for help. ("It's a ten! It's a ten!") A cocky anesthesiologist came in and couldn't understand my issue; said I was already getting the "max" medication I could get, etc. Until he finally looked at the pump, realized it wasn't set right, and I was only getting 1/3 of the pain medication I should've been getting. Grrr. I also once had to battle with a resident over pain management when my son was hospitalized and screaming in pain, later being so mad I couldn't sleep all night long. And I've also, in my professional role, advocated for many, many patients when it comes to pain. So naturally, I hate hearing stories where patients perceive that their pain is being ignored. There are a lot of issues today, though, when it comes to pain management. There's an interesting history behind it.
https://www.jointcommission.org/topics/pain_management.aspx
That said, kimblebee, I hope you're feeling better soon.