Dear Chris:
I think the thing to do is see a neurologist, get an MRI of the C-spine and go from there. What may be going on is a C-spine problem of the nerve. Although you haven't mentions whether the pain is shooting or radiating? If it is either of the two then I would think nerve. Dull aching pain is usually not nerve, but some structural problem in the muscle or joint. But from what you indicate as the etiology, it sounds C-spine. What your looking for is a foramen abnormality or disc that can effect the exiting nerve.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD