1. What is the Oswestry Disability Index?

The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is a widely used questionnaire for measuring the degree of disability and impairment in patients with low back pain. It assesses how back pain affects the patient's ability to manage in everyday life.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the ODI equation:

Where:

• \( Total Score \) — Sum of points from all questionnaire sections (0-50 points)
• \( Maximum Score \) — 50 points (maximum possible score)
• \( ODI Score \) — Percentage of disability (0-100%)

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

3. Importance of ODI Calculation

Details: The ODI is crucial for assessing functional disability in patients with low back pain, monitoring treatment progress, and determining the impact of back pain on daily activities and quality of life.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total score obtained from the ODI questionnaire (0-50 points). The calculator will automatically compute the percentage disability score.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do the ODI scores 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 total score calculated?
A: The ODI has 10 sections (pain intensity, personal care, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, sex life, social life, traveling). Each section is scored 0-5 points, with 0 being no disability and 5 being maximum disability.

Q3: When should the ODI be used?
A: The ODI should be used to assess baseline disability, monitor treatment response, and evaluate long-term outcomes in patients with low back pain.

Q4: Are there limitations to the ODI?
A: The ODI may be less sensitive to small changes in disability and may not capture all aspects of back pain impact. It should be used alongside clinical assessment.

Q5: How often should the ODI be administered?
A: Typically at initial assessment, during treatment follow-ups (e.g., 4-6 weeks), and at discharge to measure treatment effectiveness.