Prerequisites for a scientifically acceptable musculoskeletal approach; epidemiology of back pain; pain perception and modulation; referred pain and tenderness; the psychology of pain; relevant anatomy; relevant pathology; why and why not - indications and contraindications; who do you see - common indications; how do you assess cases - case analysis; what are you looking for?; the place of radiology, CAT scans, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging; joint mobility; bony position; muscle function and its testing; biomechanics in clinical practice; what of the intervertebral disc? - a second look; what of the pelvis?; posture put in its place; the future of musculoskeletal medicine. Appendices: participants in the first FIMM teachers' workshop - Vienna, 1994; analysis of initial workshop questionnaires; analysis of final workshop questionnaires; a basic musculoskeletal medicine syllabus; 12 manipulative techniques described; a choice of injections; miscellaneous therapies available to the physician.
