The occurrence of low-back pain (LBP) was investigated in a retrospective cross sectional study of a random sample of 1,760 38 to 64-year-old women. The lifetime incidence of LBP was 66% and the prevalence was 35%. Neither the lifetime incidence nor the prevalence rates were significantly associated with age. Inability to work because of LBP was found in 2.6% of the women In the 38-to 49-year age group and 5.9% among 50− to 64-year-old women (P < 0.05). The utilization of medical services because of LBP was high, but only 1% of all investigated women had had a back operation. Forty-seven percent of the women In the prevalence group had experienced leg pain (sciatica), the frequency being significantly higher among the older women (P < 0.01). Increased LBP when performing certain activities of daily living was common, and significantly more pronounced in the older age group.