Neck and back pain will affect at least 9 out of 10 people at some point in their life. For some it can be mild and pass within a few days with rest and some stretching exercise, for others it can be more severe and can last from 2-4 weeks (acute) to several months (chronic). Common causes of back pain can include injury after heavy or awkward lifting, trauma such as a motor vehicle accident or a fall, postural related ( long periods sitting or standing without movement, and often poor ergonomics), pregnancy and childbirth, reduced movement due to decreased flexibility, internal conditions such as constipation or irritable bowel, hormonally influenced from endometriosis or menstrual pain, imbalances in movement across upper back, pelvis or lower limbs due to muscle weakness or tightness. More serious causes may include disc injury, fracture, tumour or infection.