I am 75 yrs. old, and have lived with this thing for many years....write me at ***@**** I will tell how I have handled this....
I think you might be having a case of bad muscle habits. I recognize your symptoms with my own problems which basically boil down to me over tensing muscles when they don't need to be tense which puts alot of extra pressure on the spine.
Look into Alexander Technique, Bikram yoga, or some form of Tai Chi to help you control your body better.
use cervical supportive neck collar adn take rest as much as possible. Take hot water fomentations and apply hot menthol oil on the neck and chest.Take bed rest for one week. Apply an ice cube on the painful part for 5 mins and immediately apply hot water bag on the part will give u relief.---drmadhubabu