• Back and neck pain is very common. Four out of five people suffer from pain during their lives.
  
  
  
• Back or neck pain is usually not caused by any serious illness or damage.
  
  
  
• Most of these pains resolve quickly, at least enough to allow normal activity.
  
  
  
• Half of the people who get back or neck pain experience recurrent pain within two years. Still, this does not necessarily mean that it is a serious condition.
  
  
  
• If the pain is intense, you may need to reduce your activity for a while. Bedrest for more than a day or two usually does more harm than good. Stay active.
  
  
  
• People who recover the fastest and cope the best are those who stay active and get on with life. The human spine is designed for movement.
  
  
  
• If the pain is prolonged or recurs often, active rehabilitation through exercise is highly recommended to improve lost function and relieve the pain.