[Chronic lumbar pain syndrome as symptomatic final stage of psychogenic conflict]

The author gives an illustrative survey of the psychosomatic aspects of chronic low back pain syndromes. On the basis of epidemiological data the social relevance of such syndromes is pointed out. Subsequent to a general clinical introduction concerning the pathogenesis and psychosomatic dynamic of symptoms in lumbar vertebral pain syndromes the author describes, by means of case reports, the essential psychodynamic conflict patterns which could be of crucial importance for the development and course of symptomatology. Risks and particular problems of the therapeutic treatment of patients suffering from chronic low back pain syndromes are finally discussed.