Der Internist
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Low back pain is common. In the acute (duration <6 weeks) and subacute pain phases (6-12 weeks) the main goal of pharmacological pain treatment is to enable patients to move and to stay as active as possible. In the chronic phase, pain medications can support non-pharmacological measures and improve physical function. ⋯ Conclusion: in low back pain, the choice of a specific pain medications is based on the individual patient preferences, contraindications, and potential adverse effects. The main goal of pain medications is to enable patients to stay active. In persisting pain, non-pharmacological measures are important and should complement pharmacological pain treatment.