Scoring Guide for the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire

Scoring instructions

The total possible score for each section is 5: if the first statement is marked, the section score is 0; if the last statement is marked, it is 5.

If all 10 sections are completed, the score is calculated as follows: Example: 16 (total score) 50 (total possible score) x 100 = 32%. If one section is missed or not applied, the score is calculated: 16 (total score) 45 (total possible score) x 100 = 35.5%

Minimum detectable change (90% confidence): 10% points (change of less than this may be attributable to an error in the measurement)

Interpretation of Scores

• 0% to 20%: minimal disability: The Patient can cope with most living activities. Usually, no treatment is indicated apart from advice on lifting, sitting, and exercise.
• 21%-40%: moderate disability: The Patient experiences more pain and difficulty with sitting, lifting, and standing. Travel and social life are more difficult, and they may be disabled from work. Personal care, sexual activity, and sleeping are not grossly affected, and the Patient can usually be managed by conservative means.
• 41%-60%: severe disability: Pain remains the main problem in this group, but activities of daily living are affected. These patients require a detailed investigation.
• 61%-80%: crippled: Back pain impinges on all aspects of the Patient's life. Positive intervention is required.
• 81%-100%: These Patients are either bed-bound or exaggerating their symptoms.