I have considerable arthritis and degenerating disks in my cervical spine. Sometimes muscles get tight which causes pain and dizziness. Physical therapy has been helpful to keep things loose and moving. NSAIDs can be helpful. I also use heat on my neck daily and do stretches to keep things loose.

Also, disks between vertebrae can degenerate or "slip" and press against the spinal column which can be very painful and potentially dangerous. In rough conditions where there is a lot of bouncing around a soft cervical collar may be of help to prevent muscle strain.

If you haven't seen an orthopedic doctor and/or neurologist, that's is something your primary care physician can request. I started with ortho and they referred me to neurology. The ones my wife and I have seen are VERY reluctant to do surgery - as in only the last resort.

I go back to my neurologist tomorrow for a recheck. The concerns they have is whether arthritis in the cervical spine is pressing on a nerve root which can cause nasty pain, neuropathy and difficulty moving whatever the nerve serves. I also need a renewal of orders for my PT guy.

All the best to you.