Low Back Pain Syndrome caused by degenerative lesions is a civilisation disease and constitutes a serious social problem. Both therapeutic and social importance of that disease is, additionally, increased by the fact, that young, active and working people are frequently affected.

Authors have analysed a group of 1028 surgically treated patients with the diagnosis of herniated discs of the lower lumbar spine. There were 386 women (37.5%) and 642 (62.5%) men in the group.

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of the type of work on the outcome of operative treatment and on the course of the disease. The outcome assessment was based on a questionnaire scale introduced in 1986 by D.J. Prolo. Blue collar workers most frequently return to work after the surgery and they assess their condition most favourably. The conclusion confirms previous observations that patients aware of the background of the disease, with easier access to rehabilitation and balneology treatment, have a considerably better prognosis for positive outcome. Interestingly, in spite of the fact that a significant proportion of patients returns to their previous work, numerous patients describe their condition as average and bad. This observation may be partly explained by a temptation to obtain a rehabilitation or disability subsidy giving them social security and the possibility of a part-time job.