[National Research Program. Part B: Chronicity of backache]

The main goal of part B of the National Research Program No 26 is to investigate the process leading to chronic low back pain. Starting from epidemiological facts the main risk factors are described from a systemic viewpoint. The rapid increase of disabling low back pain in the past decades makes it clear that factors outside the spine have to be made responsible for this process. There are changes in life-style and interpersonal relations, as well as in society and the health-care system. From these factors means of prevention are derived. Besides psychological factors general fitness and the training condition of the back muscles play an important role in effective prevention.