BACKGROUNDLow back pain is both a common and pervasive problem in society today. The physical pain itself represents only a small fraction of the overall disability. On an individual level, the emotional cost of dealing with chronic pain and the loss of independence can be devastating. On a societal level, the loss of workforce productivity and the need for additional expenditure of diminished health care resources may be staggering.REVIEW SUMMARYThe syndrome of low back pain is reviewed with descriptions of the common symptoms, clinical signs, and pathologic basis of the disease process. The diagnostic value of the clinical examination and various neuroimaging modalities is discussed. Generation of differential diagnoses on the basis of available clinical information is emphasized. Treatment options, including nonoperative and surgical interventions, are evaluated for relative merit and efficacy.CONCLUSIONSLow back pain is a common problem with widespread implications. Management is based on understanding the causative lesion and judicious application of proven therapies.(THE NEUROLOGIST 6:326‐337, 2000)
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