I'm fairly new to recumbents myself. I have a recumbent trike and a crank forward (semi-recumbent) bike.
It is very difficult to make any sweeping general statements about recumbents because they come in so many flavors, SWB (Short Wheelbase), LWB (Long WheelBase), CLWB (Compact Long WheelBase), CF (Crank Forward/semi-recumbent), Delta Trikes, Tadpole trikes, and many variations within those flavors. There are different seat angles (some are adjustable and some have neck rests) high and low cranks, etc.
Recumbents have helped many people with back and neck problems to continue to enjoy cycling, but the only way you are going to know if they will work for you is to go to an LBS that specializes in recumbents and test ride as many different models as you can.
Good luck in your search, and also check with the good people in the BentRider Online forum, they are always glad to help out.
