When something or someone bothers us, we call it “a pain in the neck.” The truth is, the most common pain is a pain in the back. If you’re one of the more than 31 million Americans who experience back pain at least occasionally, here are some tips that can help you manage it better:

CHILL OUT: Doctors recommend ice to help reduce inflammations. But keep in mind to wrap the ice/ice pack in a cloth or towel to help protect your skin. Also, apply it only in 20 minute intervals to give your skin a rest. 

SOME LIKE IT HOT: Many of us also prefer warmth. While doctors say that warmth may increase inflammation, it can relax muscles, easing pain. If warmth works for you, then go for it. But as with cold, remember to give your skin a rest every 20 minutes.

KEEP MOVING: Not only can stretching help, but other types of activities such as walking, making the bed, or riding a bicycle can help keep your back loose. Just don’t overdo it. Remember this simple rule: If it hurts, stop.

EXERCISE YOUR MOST IMPORTANT “MUSCLE”: By that we mean to use your brain and design your workspace and living areas to make it easy on your back. Place your computer monitor so you don’t have to lean forward when viewing it. Use a back support pillow for chairs that do not provide lumbar support, and when sitting, try and kerep your feet firmly planted on the floor.

1955: M-I-C… All right, it doesn’t have much to do with rock & roll (unless you count Annette’s singing career or Cubby winding up as the drummer for the Carpenters), but The Mickey Mouse Club had its debut on ABC-TV on this day.

Originally a 60-minute 5-day-a-week show, the cast of Mousketeers was constantly in flux, with only a select group being included in the roll call that opened each show.

1963: The Yardbirds debut a new lead guitar player when a 17-year-old kid named Eric Clapton performs with them at the Crawdaddy Club in Richmond, England.

1971: The long-running musical TV show Soul Train makes its debut with guests Gladys Knight and the Pips, Eddie Kendricks and the Honey Combs.

We’re still wishing you love, peace and sooooooooooul!

1968: John Sebastian leaves the Lovin’ Spoonful to pursue a solo career.

1998: Paul McCartney holds a memorial service in Trafalgar Square for his wife Linda, who had succumbed to breast cancer just a few months earlier.

Among the 700 people who attend are George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Elton John and Billy Joel. The crowd sings Paul’s “Let It Be” as a tribute to her life and activism.

1975: A sad day in rock history. While performing his hit “Lonely Teardrops” as part of a Dick Clark “Good Ol’ Rock ‘n’ Roll Revue” at the Latin Casino in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Jackie Wilson collapses from a heart attack on stage and slips into a coma.

Wilson never really recovers from the coma, passing away in 1984.

1963: New York disc jockey, Murray the K obtains a copy of a record that has really caught on in Great Britain. For two weeks, he plays “She Loves You” by the Beatles on his show. He gets little in the way of response.

Four months later, when Beatlemania finally overtakes the United States, Murray will be able to claim he was the first American deejay to play the band.

2004: A sad day for fans of great rock music. Famed producer and composer Phil Spector (“Da Doo Ron Ron,” “Be My Baby,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” and so many more) is indicted for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson at his mansion in Alhambra, California. He will be found guilty and spend the rest of his life behind bars.

1961: Bob Dylan plays his first major gig in New York City, opening for the Greenbriar Boys at Gerde’s Folk City. The New York Times reviewer, Robert Shelton, gives the young singer a very positive review, which in turn helps launch Dylan’s career.