The cause and pathophysiology of low back pain are discussed in detail
. Imaging studies of the lumbar spine-inclusive discography can help i
n detecting the originator of pain. The common treatment for low back
pain is conservative. Only patients who fail this approach or who deve
lop neurologic deficits benefit from lumbar surgery. A more aggressive
treatment is chosen for patients with infections or tumors of the lum
bar spine. Different treatment options are explained concerning the di
fferent diseases leading to low back pain.