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Abstract

Low back pain is a very common disorder in western industrialised countries. Symptoms, pathology and radiological appearance are poorly correlated. Pain is unspecific in about 85% of people. The effectiveness of current treatment cancepts is mostly unproven with few exceptions. In the acute phase, the scientific evidence seems to indicate that advice to stay active is the most effective treatment option, with prescription of pain medication and manipulation if necessary. If pain persists for more than six weeks, treatment should aim at reactivating the patient, for example with exercise therapy. Prevention of chronicity and disability are the most important treatment objectives. Multidisciplinary treatment programs might be the most useful treatment option for long-lasting severe chronic low back pain.