I have had neck problems since I was 35 and its still the same at 62,not better but thankfully no worse.Strangely,my neck settles down on a long walk and I have a feeling the pack acts as traction and opens up the joints.As April suggests,go to the GP and find out what is causing the problem and then work out a treatment (or rather management) plan.I found the Zen Physio massager to be very effective and five minutes use gives me a couple of pain free days.Despite the discomfort I have never taken pain killers.