Oswestry Low Back Disability Calculator

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How severe is your low back pain?

This quick 10-question for low back pain assessment will help you to get an idea of how severe is your low back pain. Its FREE!

Pain intensity *

Select (any one) statement that best describes your current pain level.

I have no pain at the moment

The pain is very mild at the moment

The pain is moderate at the moment

The pain is fairly severe at the moment

The pain is very severe at the moment

The pain is the worst imaginable at the moment

This field is required.

Personal care *

Rate (any one) how pain affects your ability to care for yourself (washing, dressing, etc.).

I can look after myself normally without causing extra pain

I can look after myself normally but it causes extra pain

It is painful to look after myself and I am slow and careful

I need some help but manage most of my personal care

I need help every day in most aspects of self-care

I do not get dressed, I wash with difficulty and stay in bed

This field is required.

Lifting *

Select (any one) statement that best describes how pain affects your ability to lift.

I can lift heavy weights without extra pain

I can lift heavy weights but it gives extra pain

Pain prevents me from lifting heavy weights off the floor, but I can manage if they are conveniently placed (e.g., on a table)

Pain prevents me from lifting heavy weights, but I can manage light to medium weights if they are conveniently positioned

I can lift very light weights only

I cannot lift or carry anything at all

This field is required.

Walking *

Select (any one) how far pain allows you to walk.

Pain does not prevent me from walking any distance

Pain prevents me from walking more than 2 kilometres

Pain prevents me from walking more than 1 kilometre

Pain prevents me from walking more than 500 metres

I can only walk using a stick or crutches

I am in bed most of the time and have to crawl to the toilet

This field is required.

Sitting *

Select (any one) how long pain allows you to sit.

I can sit in any chair as long as I like

I can only sit in my favourite chair as long as I like

Pain prevents me from sitting for more than 1 hour

Pain prevents me from sitting for more than 30 minutes

Pain prevents me from sitting for more than 10 minutes

Pain prevents me from sitting at all

This field is required.

Standing *

Select (any one) how long pain allows you to stand.

I can stand as long as I want without extra pain

I can stand as long as I want but it gives me extra pain

Pain prevents me from standing for more than 1 hour

Pain prevents me from standing for more than 30 minutes

Pain prevents me from standing for more than 10 minutes

Pain prevents me from standing at all

This field is required.

Sleeping *

Select (any one) how pain affects your sleep.

My sleep is never disturbed by pain

My sleep is occasionally disturbed by pain

Because of pain I have less than 6 hours of sleep

Because of pain I have less than 4 hours of sleep

Because of pain I have less than 2 hours of sleep

Pain prevents me from sleeping at all

This field is required.

Sex Life (optional)

If it does not apply to you, leave it blank — the score will be adjusted automatically <em>(any one)</em>.

My sex life is normal and causes no extra pain

My sex life is normal but causes some extra pain

My sex life is nearly normal but is very painful

My sex life is severely restricted by pain

My sex life is nearly absent because of pain

Pain prevents any sex life at all

Social life *

Select (any one) how pain affects your social activities.

My social life is normal and gives me no extra pain

My social life is normal but increases the degree of pain

Pain has no significant effect on my social life apart from limiting more energetic interests (e.g., sport)

Pain has restricted my social life and I do not go out as often

Pain has restricted my social life to my home

I have no social life because of pain

This field is required.

Travelling *

Select (any one) how pain affects your ability to travel.

I can travel anywhere without pain

I can travel anywhere but it gives me extra pain

Pain is bad but I manage journeys over two hours

Pain restricts me to journeys of less than one hour

Pain restricts me to short necessary journeys under 30 minutes

Pain prevents me from travelling except to receive treatment

This field is required.

Score all selected

Score sex not selected

Score is

Interpretation of score:

Minimal Disability

Patient can cope with most living activities. Usually no treatment needed beyond advice.

Moderate Disability

More pain with sitting, lifting, and standing. May be managed conservatively.

Severe Disability

Pain is the main problem; daily activities are affected. Detailed investigation required.

Crippled

Back pain affects all aspects of life. Positive intervention required.

Bed-bound / Exaggerating

Patient is either bed-bound or symptoms may be exaggerated.

Do you want PDF of this Report?

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Your name *

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Your email *

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Are you physiotherapist/ health professional *

To optimise your report

Yes

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