There is something called a herniated disc, which can cause a pinched nerve and display the following symptoms: headache, pain in the neck or back, and limited motion. A herniation or bulging in the cervical spine (neck area) could display a pulling or aching pain around the ears, shoulders, chest and into the arm pit, down the arm especially on the top of the elbow joint and down into the thumb. Not only could your symptoms be annoying, but you could require treatment of some sort depending on what your doctor finds when he sees you. A muscle spasm can be very painful too. Massage would help relax the muscle along with any treatment your doctor prescribes : antiinflamatory, physical therapy: strengthening, stretching and massage. Sometimes simply sleeping on a too puffy pillow or in direct line of an air condition could hurt the neck/back and cause the muscles to spasm. Heat normally works for the first 2 days, then ice compress. First you should see your physician for a medical diagnosis, possibly an x-ray of sort & prescription for treatment. I hope you feel better.
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