In people with chronic back and neck pain, what lifestyle remedies really work?

Q. In people with chronic back and neck pain, what lifestyle remedies really work?A. If you have pain related to arthritis, degenerative bone disease, or muscles that are chronically stressed, changing your habits could help. Are you getting enough sleep? Do you need to lose weight? Are you sleeping on the right pillow? Do you often have the phone crammed between your neck and your shoulder? Are you carrying a heavy pocketbook? Try working with a physical therapist, biofeedback specialist, or masseuse. Consider your daily activities and the ergonomics of your workplace, and ask yourself, “How can I pace myself and change my daily habits to give my muscles a break?”