Back injuries/industrial injuries: Low back pain is one of the most frequent problems treated by orthopedic surgeons. Four out of five adults will experience significant low back pain some time during their life. After the common cold; lower back problems are the most frequent cause of lost work days in adults under the age of 45. Most cases of low back pain will resolve with conservative treatment. Occasionally, if a nerve root or roots are compressed, or if instability is demonstrated, surgery will be necessary to permit return to normal function.