Sheryl, it is just an aching pain and I have it for a few months now. It is virtually on top of my neck just below my head. It is just on one spot on the lefthand side and not the whole neck. I use cream (similar to Tiger Balm) which I bought in Thailand. My wife (who is Thai) gave me a massage which makes it worst. When I put on the cream it feels better for a while, but it keeps coming back day after day. And no, the pain is just on one spot and not the whole left-hand site into my arm. I don't think it is related to my heart since I check my blood pressure daily which is normal, I guess (about 110-65) hope that information helps.