Oswestry Low Back Calculator

Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index:

\[ \text{Disability Index} = \left( \frac{\text{Sum of Scores}}{50} \right) \times 100 \]

Disability Index:

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1. What is the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index?

The Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index is a validated questionnaire used to measure the degree of disability and functional limitation 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 Oswestry Disability Index formula:

\[ \text{Disability Index} = \left( \frac{\text{Sum of Scores}}{50} \right) \times 100 \]

Where:

\( \text{Sum of Scores} \) — Total points from all 10 sections (0-5 points each)
\( 50 \) — Maximum possible score
\( 100 \) — Conversion to percentage

Explanation: The questionnaire consists of 10 sections covering pain intensity, personal care, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, sex life, social life, and traveling. Each section is scored from 0-5 points.

3. Importance of Disability Index Calculation

Details: The Oswestry Index provides objective measurement of functional disability, helps track treatment progress, and assists in determining appropriate rehabilitation strategies for patients with low back pain.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the sum of scores from all 10 sections (0-50 points). The score should be obtained from a completed Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do the Disability Index percentages 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 often should the questionnaire be administered?
A: Typically at initial assessment and then periodically (every 4-6 weeks) to monitor treatment progress.

Q3: Is the Oswestry Index validated?
A: Yes, it is one of the most widely used and validated condition-specific outcome measures for low back pain.

Q4: Can it be used for all types of back pain?
A: It is primarily designed for mechanical low back pain but can be used for various types of chronic low back conditions.

Q5: What is the minimum clinically important difference?
A: Generally, a change of 10-15 percentage points is considered clinically significant.