What is the Neck Disability Index (NDI)?

The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a widely used clinical tool designed to assess the level of disability in individuals experiencing neck pain. Developed by Howard Vernon in 1991, the NDI is a modification of the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index. It consists of 10 sections that evaluate various aspects of daily life affected by neck pain, including pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headaches, concentration, work, driving, sleeping, and recreation.

Each section is scored from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater disability. The total score ranges from 0 to 50, which can be converted to a percentage. This score helps healthcare professionals understand the severity of a patient’s neck pain and its impact on their daily activities, guiding treatment decisions and monitoring progress over time.

How to Use the Neck Disability Index (NDI) Calculator

Step 1: Answer the Questionnaire

Read each of the 10 questions carefully and select the option that best describes your current condition. Each question addresses a different aspect of how neck pain affects your daily life.

Step 2: Provide Honest Responses

For accurate results, it’s crucial to answer each question honestly based on your experiences over the past week. Don’t underestimate or overestimate your pain and its effects.

Step 3: Complete All Questions

Ensure you’ve answered all 10 questions. The calculator requires responses to all items to generate an accurate score.

Step 4: Submit Your Responses

After answering all questions, click the “Calculate NDI Score” button at the bottom of the form.

Step 5: Review Your Results

The calculator will instantly display your NDI score, including the total points (out of 50), the percentage, and an interpretation of your disability level.