Neck Disability Index Calculator
The Neck Disability Index Calculator estimates your functional limitations based on 10 daily activities like pain intensity, lifting, and concentration. This calculator helps patients and healthcare providers accurately measure the impact of neck pain on everyday life. Whether you are tracking rehabilitation progress, evaluating treatment effectiveness, or preparing for a doctor's visit, this tool provides clear, quantifiable data to guide your care.
How Neck Disability Index Score Is Calculated
The Neck Disability Index (NDI) Score quantifies how much neck pain interferes with your ability to perform daily tasks. The calculation uses a simple summation method based on the Vernon and Mior formula.
NDI Score = (Total Points ÷ 50) × 100
Where:
- Total Points = Sum of scores from all 10 sections (0-5 each)
First, you rate your pain and function across 10 sections, selecting a score from 0 (no pain) to 5 (worst pain) for each. Adding these numbers gives you a raw total between 0 and 50. Finally, this total is converted into a percentage to show the severity of your disability. This standardized method ensures your results are reliable and easily comparable over time.
What Your Neck Disability Index Score Means
Your score represents the percentage of daily activities limited by your neck pain, ranging from 0% to 100%. A lower percentage means better function and less pain interference in your life.
No Disability (0-8%): You can perform all daily activities without restriction. Focus on maintaining good posture and regular movement to stay healthy.
Mild Disability (9-19%): You have slight limitations during certain tasks. Consider home exercises and ergonomic workspace adjustments to manage symptoms before they worsen.
Moderate Disability (20-38%): Multiple activities cause difficulty or require modification. This is a key threshold where physical therapy often becomes essential to restore function.
Severe Disability (39%+): Most tasks are hard or impossible, significantly impacting your quality of life. You should seek immediate specialist care for a comprehensive treatment approach.
Important Note: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding neck pain.
Retake the assessment every 4-6 weeks to track progress effectively.