Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire (NBQ-7)

Description

The Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire (NBQ-7) is a concise, multidimensional patient-reported outcome measure designed to assess the impact of neck pain on an individual’s daily functioning and overall well-being. Developed as an adaptation of the original Bournemouth Questionnaire for low back pain, the NBQ evaluates not only pain intensity but also the physical, psychological, and social dimensions associated with cervical spine disorders.

The questionnaire consists of 7 items, each addressing a different aspect of the patient’s condition, including pain severity, disability during daily and work-related activities, anxiety, depression, fear-avoidance beliefs, and perceived control over the condition. By incorporating biopsychosocial factors, the NBQ provides a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s health status rather than focusing solely on pain intensity.

The NBQ is widely used in clinical practice, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, musculoskeletal medicine, and research to monitor treatment outcomes, evaluate functional recovery, and measure changes over time in individuals with acute or chronic neck disorders.

Analysis and Use of Data

The analysis of NBQ data enables healthcare professionals and researchers to evaluate the multidimensional impact of neck pain on patients’ lives. Since the questionnaire captures both physical disability and psychosocial factors, it is particularly valuable for adopting a biopsychosocial approach to musculoskeletal assessment.

Statistical analysis commonly includes:

  • Calculation of descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, median, and score distribution).
  • Assessment of internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha.
  • Evaluation of test–retest reliability to determine score stability over time.
  • Investigation of construct validity through correlations with established neck disability and pain outcome measures.
  • Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (EFA/CFA) to examine the questionnaire’s dimensional structure.
  • Responsiveness analysis to assess sensitivity to clinical improvement following therapeutic interventions.
  • Comparative analyses between patient groups using t-tests, ANOVA, or non-parametric statistical methods.
  • Regression analyses examining predictors of disability, pain persistence, psychological distress, and treatment outcomes.

Because the NBQ captures both physical and emotional aspects of neck pain, it is frequently incorporated into multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs and clinical outcome studies.

Objective

The primary objective of the Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire is to provide a reliable, valid, and responsive instrument for assessing the multidimensional consequences of neck pain.

Specifically, the questionnaire aims to:

  • Assess the severity of neck pain.
  • Evaluate functional limitations in daily and occupational activities.
  • Measure the psychological impact of neck disorders, including anxiety and depression.
  • Examine patients’ perceptions of control over their condition.
  • Monitor clinical progress throughout conservative or surgical treatment.
  • Facilitate evidence-based clinical decision-making.
  • Support research investigating the effectiveness of rehabilitation and pain management interventions.

Scoring

The NBQ-7 consists of 7 items, each scored on an 11-point numerical rating scale, typically ranging from 0 to 10. Individual item scores are summed to produce a total score ranging from 0 to 70.

Higher total scores indicate:

  • Greater pain intensity.
  • Increased functional disability.
  • More pronounced psychological distress.
  • Lower perceived control over the condition.
  • Greater overall impact of neck pain on quality of life.

The questionnaire is highly responsive to clinical change, making it particularly useful for monitoring patient progress before and after therapeutic interventions.

References

Bolton JE, Humphreys BK. (2002). The Bournemouth Questionnaire: A short-form comprehensive outcome measure. II. Psychometric properties in neck pain patients.

Schmitt MA, et al. (2009). Dutch adaptation and validation of the Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire.