I had this problem fairly recently. After trying some heat, which made the pain worse, I put an ice pack on my neck and upper back between the shoulder blades. I'd leave the ice on over a thin towel for about 15 minutes or so, then leave it off for about an hour, back on, etc. I also took two ibuprofen (200mg each), spaced about 6 hours apart, for 2 days. The pain and discomfort at moving my neck certain ways went away after that. Flared up a few days later and I repeated the routine. Haven't had any problems since then. Never did go to the doctor, but you should if you can. A few people who I asked about this seemed to think it was a pinched nerve that just took time to work itself out. Good luck!

age/weight/height/etc?

Don't look down, really.

Sometimes, you can alleviate neck pain by sitting up straight and pulling your head straight back, no tilt and not too hard. Hold for 30 seconds and relax. It is either stretching or similar so it pays to repeat it.

Don't look down.

Just yesterday, me too. Happens when I don't work out enough. Usually after sleeping in a goofy position. Goes away eventually.

Regular stretching (after it settles down) should keep the doctor away in future.

Thanks, all. I will try some of these.

Wedge, I don't know if you are serious or not but in case 37/5'8"/160lb/sexy.

hmm

- hot whirlpool or bath?
- muscle relaxants?
- new shoes or pillows?

Wow, me too. Hurts like the dickens and I'm living on Ibuprophen.

posture

i store stress at the base of my skull/neck/upper trapezius without the crappy computer set up

Yes, don't apply heat. You've probably strained it. It's inflamed, so you want ice, same way you'd RICE an injury elsewhere. Rest it, and put extra work into sleeping with a straight spine tonight (good neck pillow, pillow under your knees if you sleep on your back, pillow between your legs if you sleep on your side). I'd see a massage therapist before I'd see a doctor, and I'd go even if it doesn't seem to hurt much. They'll do range-of-motion tests to see if it's a muscular problem or something else and will refer you off to a chiro or a physical therapist if it's the latter.

Take it easy for the next couple weeks in any case because it will be easy to re-injure. I'm recovering from a bad neck strain myself.