Back Pain Exercises - Are They Useful?

I came across an article this morning that talked about the benefits of exercise for back and neck pain. Though my impression of WebMD is that they tend to focus moreso on the symptom (i.e. pain), I have found certain information interesting and useful ... for example, let's take a look at the following points:

Exercises to reduce low back pain:

"When you no longer have acute pain, you may be ready for gentle strengthening exercises for your stomach, back, and legs, and perhaps for some stretching exercises.

Exercise may not only help decrease low back pain, but it may also help you recover faster, prevent reinjury to your back, and reduce the risk of disability from back pain.

Exercises to reduce low back pain are not complicated and can be done at home without any special equipment.

It's important that you don't let fear of pain keep you from trying gentle activity. You should try to be active soon after noticing pain, and gradually increase your activity level.1 Too little activity can lead to loss of flexibility, strength, and endurance, and then to more pain."

Wishing you great health,
Charlie