Abstract

Regular physical activities and an unspecific exercise therapy including group-dynamic effects are useful for the prevention in recurring low back pain. There is no clear evidence that physiotherapy and exercise therapy are beneficial in the first month after the occurrence of low back pain. Even with radicular irritation, prolonged bed rest or immobilization through back pain, is only necessary in individual cases. Patients should return to normal daily activities and work as soon as possible. For subacute (>6 weeks) or chronic (>12 weeks) low back pain, a combined rehabilitation programme becomes more important and is evident. This includes physiotherapy and back-specific exercise therapy under supervision together with education about back-friendly normal physical activities supported by psychotherapy if required. The aim is to initiate a self-responsible regulation of pain in order to prevent further chronification of pain. The type, extent and intensity of exercise therapy in patients suffering from degenerative spine disease e.g. spondylolisthesis or following lumbar disc surgery has to be aligned to the degree of functional and structural organic deficits. A back-specific exercise therapy has to be recommended in this case. Verf.-Referat