Description of the Questionnaire

The Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire (NBQ) is a modified tool based on the original Bournemouth Questionnaire for low back pain. The NBQ consists of 7 questions and is designed to assess neck pain. It measures pain intensity, functional limitations in both work-related and non-work-related activities, depressive mood, and the degree of self-control. The total score reflects the severity of the condition, where higher values indicate greater intensity of pain and limitations.

Data Analysis and Use

The NBQ is used for the initial assessment of patients with neck problems, monitoring the progression of the condition during treatment, and evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. The analysis is based on the total score derived from summing the individual responses, with the maximum score indicating greater impairment. The use of the NBQ allows for a quantitative representation of the patient’s subjective experience and facilitates clinical decision-making.

Objective

The objective of the NBQ is to provide a brief, reliable, and valid self-report tool for individuals suffering from neck pain, in order to assess pain intensity, functional limitations, the patient’s psychological state (such as depressive symptoms), as well as their perceived control over the condition. It is a tool that combines both the physical and psychological dimensions of pain.

Scoring

Each question in the NBQ is rated on a numerical scale, typically from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates the absence of symptoms or limitations, and 10 indicates the maximum level of pain or restriction. The final score is the sum of the individual answers and is used to evaluate the severity of the problem as well as to monitor improvement or deterioration over time. The reliability of the scoring system has been confirmed through research studies.

Bibliography

Bolton JE, et al. (2002), original development of the tool. Schmitt MA, et al. (2009), Dutch translation and adaptation. Additional literature may include research articles evaluating the reliability and validity of the NBQ in various populations and languages.