This tool facilitates the assessment of functional limitations caused by low back pain. A patient answers a series of questions regarding their ability to perform daily activities, with responses scored on a scale. The cumulative score is then converted into a percentage representing the level of disability. For instance, a higher percentage indicates greater disability related to back pain.
Quantifying functional limitations provides a standardized measure of pain’s impact on a patient’s life. This measurement allows healthcare professionals to track the effectiveness of treatment interventions over time. Furthermore, it aids in communication between patients, physicians, and therapists by providing a common, objective metric. Developed in the early 1980s, this assessment method remains a widely used and respected tool in the management of back pain.
