Oswestry Disability Index
Clinical intent
The Oswestry Disability Index is patient-completed questionnaire which gives a subjective percentage score of level of function (disability) in activities of daily living in those rehabilitating from low back pain[1].
Calculation
- Each section is scored on a 0 to 5 rating scale, in which zero means 'No pain' and 5 means 'Worst imaginable pain'.
- Points summed to a total score.
- The raw score is then expressed as a percentage on 100.
Clinical interpretation
| Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 0% to 20%: minimal disability: | The patient can cope with most living activities. Usually no treatment is indicated apart from advice on lifting sitting and exercise. |
| 21%-40%: moderate disability: | The patient experiences more pain and difficulty with sitting, lifting and standing. Travel and social life are more difficult and they may be disabled from work. Personal care, sexual activity and sleeping are not grossly affected and the patient can usually be managed by conservative means. |
| 41%-60%: severe disability | Pain remains the main problem in this group but activities of daily living are affected. These patients require a detailed investigation. |
| 61%-80%: crippled: | Back pain impinges on all aspects of the patient's life. Positive intervention is required. |
References
[1] Fairbank JC, Pynsent PB. The Oswestry Disability Index. Spine 2000 Nov 15;25(22):2940-52; discussion 52.
Pathway
Form preview
Interactive preview of the questionnaire. Not for clinical use. Responses are not stored.