A PRAGMATIC REVIEW OF LOW BACK ACHE AND ITS PRACTICAL APPROACH.

Background: Low back ache is a common problem encountered in day today practice. These cases are often handled by general practioners, general surgeons, orthopedicians, neuro-physicians and neurosurgeons. It is such a lingering problem that the patients often land up in window shopping of doctors and lands up getting treated inadequately and haphazardly. It also puts the patient in a vicious cycle of depression if not treated properly.Often the methodical approach of treating back pain is neglected by many treating physicians. A systematic and brief review of the subject is necessary to understand the practical approaches towards this common but yet enigmatic problem. Aims And Objectives: To analyze different causes and presentations of low back ache. To draw a systematic approach towards the management of these cases and formulate a simple practical guide for the medical practioners. Conclusion: Low back ache is a common problem of 21st century. Not all cases need surgery. Choosing properly indicated patients with good co-relation of clinical and radiological findings adds to good results in well trained hands. Surgery is an alternative only when conservative treatment fails to this common pathology.