Neck Disability Index (NDI)

1. 1. Pain intensity

   0I have no pain at the moment.1The pain is very mild at the moment.2The pain is moderate at the moment.3The pain is fairly severe at the moment.4The pain is very severe at the moment.5The pain is the worst imaginable at the moment.

2. 2. Personal care (washing, dressing, etc.)

   0I can look after myself normally without causing extra pain.1I can look after myself normally but it causes extra pain.2It is painful to look after myself and I am slow and careful.3I need some help but manage most of my personal care.4I need help every day in most aspects of self care.5I do not get dressed, I wash with difficulty and stay in bed.

3. 3. Lifting

   0I can lift heavy weights without extra pain.1I can lift heavy weights but it gives extra pain.2Pain prevents me from lifting heavy weights off the floor, but I can manage if they are conveniently positioned.3Pain prevents me from lifting heavy weights, but I can manage light to medium weights if conveniently positioned.4I can lift very light weights.5I cannot lift or carry anything at all.

4. 4. Reading

   0I can read as much as I want with no neck pain.1I can read as much as I want with slight neck pain.2I can read as much as I want with moderate neck pain.3I cannot read as much as I want because of moderate neck pain.4I can hardly read at all because of severe neck pain.5I cannot read at all.

5. 5. Headaches

   0I have no headaches at all.1I have slight headaches that come infrequently.2I have moderate headaches that come infrequently.3I have moderate headaches that come frequently.4I have severe headaches that come frequently.5I have headaches almost all the time.

6. 6. Concentration

   0I can concentrate fully when I want to with no difficulty.1I can concentrate fully when I want to with slight difficulty.2I have a fair degree of difficulty concentrating when I want to.3I have a lot of difficulty concentrating when I want to.4I have a great deal of difficulty concentrating when I want to.5I cannot concentrate at all.

7. 7. Work

   0I can do as much work as I want.1I can only do my usual work but no more.2I can do most of my usual work but no more.3I cannot do my usual work.4I can hardly do any work at all.5I cannot do any work at all.

8. 8. Driving

   0I can drive my car without any neck pain.1I can drive my car as long as I want with slight neck pain.2I can drive my car as long as I want with moderate neck pain.3I cannot drive my car as long as I want because of moderate neck pain.4I can hardly drive at all because of severe neck pain.5I cannot drive my car at all.

9. 9. Sleeping

   0I have no trouble sleeping.1My sleep is slightly disturbed (less than 1 hour sleepless).2My sleep is mildly disturbed (1–2 hours sleepless).3My sleep is moderately disturbed (2–3 hours sleepless).4My sleep is greatly disturbed (3–5 hours sleepless).5My sleep is completely disturbed (5–7 hours sleepless).

10. 10. Recreation

    0I am able to engage in all my recreational activities with no neck pain.1I am able to engage in all my recreational activities with some neck pain.2I am able to engage in most but not all my recreational activities because of neck pain.3I am able to engage in a few of my recreational activities because of neck pain.4I can hardly do any recreational activities because of neck pain.5I cannot do any recreational activities at all.

Validated against Vernon & Mior 1991. Disability bands (raw): 0–4 none, 5–14 mild, 15–24 moderate, 25–34 severe, ≥35 complete. Minimum clinically important change ≈ 5 points (raw).