How should I treat recurring neck and back pain?

When a flare-up occurs don't get discouraged because that will only work against you. Your back didn't "go out" so there is no reason to "freak out" or "fear out." You are going to treat a flare-up as if it were simple acute neck or back pain. Depending on the symptoms and recommendations, you will apply ice, heat, medication, rest, or exercise, as warranted. And after you have gotten over one or two of these flare-ups, you will come to realize just how magnificent your spine is and just how wonderfully it seeks to restore itself. As time goes by the frequency of flare-ups will diminish, their intensity will abate, and you'll trust in your spine to respond with all its miraculous recuperative powers.