[Low back pain in 2006: back to the root]

Low back pain is a major burden for health care. According to the International Classification of Function, it is a disability of complex origin. Risk factors for chronification are of psychosocial and not physical nature. Primary targets of treatment should be physical fitness and the self-management of problem by the patient. Awareness of the psychosocial factors (yellow, blue and black flags) which can disturb occupational reintegration should be developed. Rehabilitation is based on measures to modify patient's beliefs and fitness. The prescribed treatment should aim to relieve pain, correct disability, prevent relapses, inform and educate the patient. Every low back pain sufferer which does not improve in 1 month should be sent to a team skilled in handling this kind of problem.