OBJECTIVE: To carry out a literature review for the diagnosis of low back pain simulation in patients claiming disability benefit from the social security. METHODS: 100 patients with reported low back pain were evaluated. Thesewere divided in two groups of 50 each; in group I, the patients requested a medical report for the purpose of obtaining disability benefit; in group II the patients were interested only in receiving treatment. Simulators were considered as patients who presented at least two positive signs of the three signs assessed: low back pain on axial cranial compression,low back pain on rotation of the pelvis, and difference in straight leg raising in the supine and sitting positions. RESULTS: In group I the percentage of simulators was 72%, in the group II, 18%. There was no significant difference in relation to age or sex. DISCUSSION: Although there are several signs and symptoms to evaluate simulation, most of the doctors ignored them. However, without them, it is difficult to make a correct evaluation of patients with reported low back pain, thereby contributing to overburdeningthe socialsecurity system. CONCLUSION: There is a high incidence of simulators among patients who request medical reports in order to obtain disability benefits. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.
Low back pain; Simulation; Compensation and Redress; Social Security
