Low back syndromes. The challenge of accurate diagnosis and management.

The causes of low back pain range from ruptured lumbar disks and spinal stenosis to compression fractures and osteoarthritis. Although surgery may be indicated in some cases, conservative measures are often effective, and preventive regimens may be successful in patients who are obese or otherwise physically unfit. In patients who have been injured on the job or in an automobile accident, the question of compensation may hinder treatment. Hysterical patients may need psychiatric referral.