Based on a hypothesis that interleukin 1 (IL-1) activity is associated with low back pain (LBP), we investigated relationships between previously described functional IL-1 gene polymorphisms and LBP. The subjects were a subgroup of a Finnish study cohort. The IL-1α(C 889–T), IL-1β(C 3954–T) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RN)(G 1812–A, G 1887–C and T 11100–C) polymorphisms were genotyped in 131 middle-aged men from three occupational groups (machine drivers, carpenters and office workers). A questionnaire inquired about individual and lifestyle characteristics and the occurrence of LBP, the number of days with pain and days with limitation of daily activities because of pain, and pain intensity, during the past 12 months. Lumbar disc degeneration was determined with magnetic resonance imaging. Carriers of the IL-1RNA 1812 allele had an increased risk of LBP (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.0–6.0) and carriers of this allele in combination with the IL-1αT 889 or IL-1βT 3954 allele had a higher risk of and more days with LBP than non-carriers. Pain intensity was associated with the simultaneous carriage of the IL-1αT 889 and IL-1RNA 1812 alleles (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.2–11.9). Multiple regression analyses allowing for occupation and disc degeneration showed that carriage of the IL-1RNA 1812 allele was associated with the occurrence of pain, the number of days with pain and days with limitations of daily activities. Carriage of the IL-1βT 3954 allele was associated with the number of days with pain. The results suggest a possible contribution of the IL-1 gene locus polymorphisms to the pathogenesis of LBP. The possibility of chance findings cannot be excluded due to the small sample size.