Chronic low back pain as a leading symptom of a somatoform pain disorder is a remnant diagnostic category for many physicians, general practitioners and orthopaedic surgeons. Patients with somatoform pain disorder (ICD-10: F45.4) are often not diagnosed until after several years and multiple diagnostic procedures, in some cases after iatrogenic impairment. A more precise knowledge of the disorder can prevent chronification. This article outlines the clinical features, diagnostic procedure and differential diagnosis in somatoform pain patients and presents current psychotherapeutic approaches.