# What is the Neck Disability Index?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/what-is-the-neck-disability-index
For: Clinicians | Physiotherapy practice | Last updated 19 October 2026

**Answer:** The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a patient-reported questionnaire that measures how neck symptoms affect daily life. Items cover pain and activities such as personal care, lifting, reading, work, driving, sleep and recreation. It can be used to track change over time, but results should be interpreted with clinical findings, the person's goals and the official scoring rules. A high score indicates greater reported disability, not a diagnosis of serious disease.

### Use it with clinical context

Scores may be influenced by language, mood, other health conditions and missing items. They support, but do not replace, assessment and shared decision-making.

- Combine the NDI with history, examination and goals; do not use it alone.
- Scores can change without physical change, because context and perception affect responses.
- Use the same approved version at each review.

> **Important:** New neurological loss, major trauma, severe headache with neurological symptoms or rapidly worsening signs require appropriate medical assessment regardless of score.

> **Important:** If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, contact emergency services now. In Kenya, call 999, 112 or 911. Outside Kenya, use the emergency number for your location.

## Related questions

- [How is balance assessed in physiotherapy?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/how-is-balance-assessed-in-physiotherapy)
- [How is functional mobility assessed?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/how-is-functional-mobility-assessed)
- [How is pain assessed in physiotherapy?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/how-is-pain-assessed-in-physiotherapy)

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