Pain Disability Index

The Pain Disability Index is a 7-item questionnaire scored on a 0-10 point scale. To calculate the total score, add the scores of each item. The resulting score will give you an indication of how much disability is caused by pain.

Chronic musculoskeletal disorders are long-lasting conditions affecting muscles, bones, and joints, such as arthritis or chronic back pain. They can lead to ongoing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement, making it difficult for patients to perform daily activities and impacting their overall quality of life.

Other pain disability questionnaires are essential for evaluating functional limitations caused by pain. The Oswestry Disability Questionnaire or Index (ODI) is used for measuring permanent functional disability related to low back pain, especially for patients with severe disability. Similarly, the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ) features 24 items that assess disability levels and is most sensitive for those with mild to moderate disability (Davies & Nitz, 2009). Additionally, the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) offers a rapid evaluation of both pain severity and its impact on functioning.