Background. The purpose of our study was to analyze the occurrence, strength, and dynamics of depressive symptoms in patients with chronic pain caused by degenerative and deformative changes in the lumbar spine, and to examine the impact of the physiotherapy methods used on the measured parameters. Material and methods. The research material consisted of patients at the Resurs Specialized Rehabilitation Clinic in Wrocław. We examined 106 patients complaining of chronic pain caused by degenerative and deformative changes in the lower spine. The level of depressive symptoms was assessed in all patients with the Beck Depression Inventory. Results. Statistical analysis showed a dependency between the occurrence of depressive symptoms and gender. The impact of various methods of treatment in the group with depressive symptoms was also assessed. Conclusions. Depression occurs in some patients with chronic lower back pain. The level of depression in both examinations was higher among the women. After treatment there were no significant changes in the level of depression in the study group.