Introduction: Vertebrogenic algic syndromes (VAS) and affections of the locomotor system are apart from influenza epidemics the most frequent cause of patients attending physicians. In the majority functional states are involved without an obvious organic finding. This state can be described as an „epidemic of backache“. The cause is most frequently the lifestyle characterized by inadequate exercise, hyperalimentation, smoking and stress at work. As in the pathological manifestations of this lifestyle free radicals pa rticipate in a major way, the authors selected as part of general therapy of these conditions supplementation with antioxidants from natural sources. Method: To volunteers, a total of 42 patients, 28 women and 14 men, who complained of general fatigue and back pain antioxidants were administered – one capsule in the morning after breakfast. The patients were recommen- ded to change their lifestyle and were instructed on the necessity to increase gradually their tolerance of physical and mental loads. Blood samples were taken during the first visit and then after one-month and three-month supplementation. Lipid parameters were assessed using the usual sets on a Hitachi 912 apparatus, free radicals by an original spectrophotometric method (1). Results: During the follow up period marked subjective improvement of the probands condition occurred. After ca 10-day supplementation pain receded, already after one month the free radical level declined significantly (p < 0.01) and the lipid levels declined also. The decline of free radicals proceeded during the subsequent period but the values of lipid parameters returned to original concentrations. It was probably easier to swallow a capsule than to proceed with physical exercise and sound nutrition. Conclusions: The hypolipaemic effect of antioxidant administration alone was not described so far. The observed decline of lipid levels was thus caused probably by a short-term effort to change the lifestyle. Despite this we may consider the described study as evidence of a positive effect of antioxidant supplementation on elimination of vertebrogenic algic syndrome and its manifestations. Another important finding is also a reduced concentration of free radicals which are the cause proper of fatal sequelae of hyperlipidaemia.

        Key words: vertebrogenic algic syndrome, free radicals, lipids, cholesterol.