I've had it both ways :-) I had a lot of anxiety/stress and when I'd start a new job or work at one I didn't like I got really bad stiff necks that nothing would help. My muscles were too taut and "pulling" so it was painful to move. Once I started thinking about it and thought of the Bible verse "Oh you stiffed-necked generation. . ." :-) and realized I was being "stubborn" about the stress/anxiety and putting up with it, etc. I said I was "sorry" (to God/Universe/Whomever It May Concern :-) and the next day, it was "instantly" better!

However, now I don't have stress or anxiety and I've had problems with my nerves in my neck for a month and only now am getting some relief with physical therapy help (I have an electrical stimulator to get the jangled nerves to chill out :-)

I would go to your doctor and see what he had to say in any event. Ask him what he suggests. I had friends suggest I try accupuncture and it's a funny thing; the physical therapists discovered a couple of my pressure points are where I need to put the electrical stimulator. Many roads lead to Rome :-) so do a bit of detective work with your doctor and see if you can find something that will help you?