[The spine--a focus of epidemic compensation disease]

Description of functional and structural alterations of the spine with reference to their significance for the professional fitness. If the actual job has to be discontinued a professional readaptation is undertaken or an invalid pension can be accorded. Often there is a discrepancy between clinical and radiological findings and the diminished professional activity. These factors are discussed. A pension accorded to a younger individual discourages the personal engagement especially if the amount of this pension is high.