The Neck Disability Index is an instrument to assess neck pain complaints. It was developed from the Oswestry index for back pain and the Pain Disability Index. The authors are from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, Canada.
Parameters:
(1) pain intensity
(2) personal care
(3) lifting
(4) reading
(5) headaches
(6) concentration
(7) work
(8) driving
(9) sleeping
(10) recreation
Each parameters is scored from 0 (good function) to 5 (poor function).
total score =
= SUM(points for all 10 findings)
disability in percent =
= (total score) / 50 * 100
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0, with a minimum disability of 0%
• maximum score: 50, with maximal disability of 100%
Disability
Disability
Comment
0 – 20%
minimal
The patient can cope with most living activities. Usually no treatment is indicated apart from advice on lifting, sitting and exercise.
21 – 40%
moderate
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. The patient can usually be managed by conservative means.
41 – 60%
severe
Pain remains the main problem in this group but activities of daily living are affected. These patients require a detailed investigation.
61 – 80%
crippled
Pain impinges on all aspects of the patient's life. Positive intervention is required.
81 – 100%
bed bound
Need to exclude exaggeration or malingering.
where:
• The interpretations are taken from the Oswestry low back pain questionnaire.
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