Low back pain causes lost time in industry and the military service. Psychologists often are consulted when the low back pains seem not to have any physical foundation or are greater than seems appropriate. Surgery may not relieve the low back pains if psychological factors play a large role. Studies of low back pain which have used the MMPI and tests derived from the MMPI are reviewed; demographic and intrapsychic factors linked with low back pain through research are discussed.
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