SUMMARY
Objective: To describe the chronic lower back pain functional profile in a population-based sample. Methods: A total of 2,297 individuals aged around = 20 years were selected from 34 regions of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. In order to characterize samples, sociodemographic data were collected. And, in order to describe functional profile, the body map and functional items were applied based on Oswestry questionnaire. Results: Between 28.6% and 68.8% of the population with CLBP presented disability, depending on the analyzed function. Chronic lower back pain was negatively associated with function in lifting objects (rarely, OR 2.39 IC 95%, 1.15-4.97) and remaining seated (OR 10.40 IC 95% 3.32- 32.46). In opposition to that, walking was associated to increased function (frequently, OR 0.47 IC 95% 0.30 – 0,72). Conclusions: Chronic lower back pain is frequently associated with disability. Lifting objects and remaining seated were the functional items that presented higher association with disability. Walking habits seem to be a protector from this disability in chronic lower back pain individuals.