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

The authors 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 is to investigate the influence of the duration of an acute period of Low Back Pain Syndrome 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. Additionally, two different outcome assessment measures were compared: the Kiwerski scale and the Prolo scale. The best outcome of operative treatment was among patients whose acute phase of symptoms did not exceed three months (32.5% of good results). Lengthening of an acute phase may lead to fixed neurologic deficits and to a feeling that the disease is severe and untreatable. Patients may develop an analgetic dependency, their material and social status may deteriorate, and a disability acceptance may appear when the acute phase is prolonged.