Oswestry Disability Index assesses disability related to which region?

• A. Cervical spine
• B. Thoracic spine
• C. Low back
• D. Sacroiliac region

Answer: (C)

The Oswestry Disability Index is designed to quantify how much a person’s daily functioning is limited by low back (lumbar) pain. It asks about activities like walking, standing, sitting, lifting, sleeping, and social or sexual life, all in the context of back symptoms. This focus makes it the standard measure for disability related to the lumbar region, rather than the neck or upper back.

That’s why the best choice is the low back. Other regions—cervical spine or thoracic spine—use different tools (for example, the Neck Disability Index for the neck). The sacroiliac region isn’t the target of the ODI, as that area typically requires separate assessment tools focused on SI joint function.