The pain is in the muscle, but the bone spurs seem to be what trigger the muscle spasms. At least that's what I've learned from my on-line research. (And the bone spurs are caused by the disc degeneration.)

Ice helps, but I don't feel much like using it when the weather is cold. Last night, I did use one of those blue lunch bag cooling packs. It does help. I've come to believe that ice/cold is great for pain.

The physical therapist suggested "warm packs." Haven't tried that yet. She gave me exercises to do. Also, she helped me understand better about maintaining better posture.

I'm interested in anything that anyone else has found helpful. It seems to just get worse from month to month. I am depressed about it.

Walking actually makes my neck feel best, as it seems to center the weight of my head over my torso best. But arthritis in my right foot limits my walking. I feel so stymied from doing what I used to do. It has me awful down. Two years ago, I felt fine. I just hate not ever really feeling good.