Neck Pain

Neck Disability Index (NDI)

International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC)

Neck Disability Index (NDI)

The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a modification of the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (LBPDQ), with the items and response categories adapted for people with neck pain. The NDI measures self-reported pain intensity (pain, headache) and limitations in performing daily work-related activities (work, lifting and concentration) and non-work-related activities (personal care, reading, driving, sleeping and leisure). The NDI can indicate the extent to which neck pain affects daily activities.

 

Validity and Reliability

Lemeunier et al. (2019) report that the Neck Disability Index is reliable at measuring disability in people with neck pain related disorders. In individuals with chronic neck pain grades I to III, the intra-rater reliability of the Neck Disability Index was ICC = 0.64 (95% CI 0.19-0.84) with a 3-week testing interval and ICC = 0.92 (95% CI 0.85-0.96) with a 1-week testing interval. Additionally, the systematic review suggests that the Neck Disability Index is valid for assessing neck disability in people with neck pain grade I to grade III. Neck Disability Index scores were significantly correlated with self-reported improvement on the Global Rating of Change scale (Pearson’s r = 0.52; p 0.000; Pearson’s r = 0.58, p = 0.01), VAS pain intensity (Pearson’s r = 0.63, p 0.001), health-related quality of life (SF-12 and the SF-6D) (− 0.50 < Pearson’s r < − 0.77, p < 0.001), and health-related quality of status (EuroQol-5D, EQ-5D) (Pearson’s r = − 0.76, p < 0.001).

 

Scoring and Interpretation

Scores range from 0 to 5 for each of the 10 items. The top score is 50. A percentage score can be created by multiplying the acquired score by two. On rare occasions, a respondent will omit to answer a particular question. The average of all other items is then added to the completed items.

Scoring intervals for interpretation:

  • No disability: 0 to 4
  • Mild: 5 to 14
  • Moderate: 15 to 24
  • Severe: 25 to 34
  • Complete: over 34

To evaluate development over the course of the treatment plan, use the NDI at the beginning and every two weeks after that. A clinically significant change requires a minimum 5-point change. Once they are receiving treatment, patients frequently do not score the things as zero. In other words, even after making a remarkable recovery, patients frequently continue to score between 5 and 15. (i.e., they may be back to work).

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