Active life style is negatively influenced by chronic low-back pain. In the article differential diagnosis is shortly presented as well as comparison of outcomes of surgical and conservative therapies of herniated lumbar intervertebral discs. There is well known discrepancy of clinical findings, graphic examinations, subjective complaints, length of work incapacity and return to work. Particular attention is devoted to problems of return to work. It has been demonstrated that this parameter is much more influenced by psychological, economical and social factors than by medical ones.

        Key words: active life style, chronic low-back pain, herniation of lumbar intervertebral disc, comparing of surgical and conservative treatments, return to work