This tool assists in assessing the impact of low back pain on a patient’s functional abilities. It quantifies limitations in performing various activities of daily living, such as personal care, lifting, walking, sitting, sleeping, and social life. A numerical score is generated based on patient responses, providing a standardized measure of disability. This score allows clinicians to track changes in a patient’s condition over time and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment interventions. For example, a higher initial score indicates greater disability, while a decrease in score after treatment suggests improvement.
Quantifying functional limitations provides valuable insights for both patients and healthcare professionals. It facilitates clear communication about the impact of back pain, allowing for more focused and personalized treatment plans. The standardized nature of this assessment tool allows for comparison across patient populations and contributes to research on low back pain management. Developed in the 1980s, it has become a widely used and respected instrument in clinical practice and research settings worldwide, contributing significantly to improved understanding and management of this common condition.
