Hi lynwood,
I've broken my nose twice and the first time I broke it was worse than the second time. Anyway, the initial pain is "sharp" (but not unbearable) then it decreases to a "dull" pain a short time later. I "treated" it with Advil/Motrin and time. By the way, you'll know it's healed when it doesn't hurt to touch and move it around.

In both instances, I didn't seek any medical attention, but as a result, I have a pretty bad deviated septum which, thankfully, isn't too noticeable or bothersome.

Many years ago, when I went to see an Ear, Nose, Throat doctor for another matter, the doc noticed my deviated septum (and surmised correctly it was from boxing) then spent the majority of time trying to convince me to get surgery to correct it. He stated I would be able to breathe so much easier, look better and that it would also help what I went in there for. Even though he had a compelling spiel, I declined because I was/am not too keen on surgery and it really didn't/doesn't bother me too much.

Take Care,
Lito