urpose: The purpose was to investigate lay perspectives on health among people with musculoskeletal disorders. Method: Semi-structured interviews were performed with 39 women and 30 men, (aged 22–63 years) with long-term, non-specific musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, shoulder and/or low back. Data was analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: These people experienced health as “having resources and opportunities to lead the life one wants”. Three categories, “a good enough physical and psychological functioning, freedom of action, and a positive state of emotion and an enriching life”, illustrate the different resources and opportunities that the informants described as important for them to perceive themselves as healthy. The informants also reflected on “being ill” and “being well” and what makes the difference. Five aspects influenced the dynamics of their health experiences: “body and soul, prognosis, character of symptoms, physical and social activity, and emotional state”. Consequently, the informants expressed a holistic view of health, where the focus lies on the opportunity and the ability to lead their lives the way they want. Conclusions: This study points at the value of taking lay perspectives on health into account, as it might increase the opportunity to design effective, personalized rehabilitation strategies.