1. What is the Oswestry Disability Index?

The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is a widely used questionnaire that measures the degree of disability and impairment in patients with low back pain. It assesses how back pain affects various aspects of daily living.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the ODI formula:

Where:

• \( Score \) — Total score from ODI questionnaire (0-50)
• \( ODI \% \) — Disability percentage (0-100%)

Explanation: The ODI questionnaire consists of 10 sections, each scored from 0-5. The total score is converted to a percentage that represents the level of disability.

3. Importance of ODI Calculation

Details: The ODI is a validated tool used worldwide to assess functional disability in patients with low back pain, monitor treatment progress, and determine the impact of back pain on quality of life.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total score from the ODI questionnaire (0-50). The score should be the sum of all 10 section scores from the validated ODI form.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do the ODI percentage ranges mean?
A: 0-20% minimal disability, 21-40% moderate disability, 41-60% severe disability, 61-80% crippled, 81-100% bed-bound or exaggerating symptoms.

Q2: How is the ODI questionnaire administered?
A: Patients complete 10 sections covering pain intensity, personal care, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, sex life, social life, and traveling.

Q3: What is a clinically significant change in ODI?
A: A change of 10-15 percentage points is generally considered clinically meaningful and indicates important improvement or deterioration.

Q4: Can ODI be used for all types of back pain?
A: Yes, ODI is validated for various causes of low back pain including mechanical, degenerative, and post-surgical conditions.

Q5: How often should ODI be measured?
A: Typically measured at initial assessment and then at regular intervals (e.g., 3-6 months) to monitor treatment response and disease progression.