The physiology of low back pain.

Pain by definition is subjective. A variety of neural pathways are involved in the generation and propagation of pain. Pain is emotional. Pain pathways interact with the limbic system, and this interaction modulates pain. The experience of pain is related to the experience of past pain. Many potential pain generators are present in the low back. The most likely source of pain is the intervertebral disc. Treating pain requires a multifactorial approach, because pain is very complex.