After trying to rid myself of an aching back for sitting too long at a desk, I decided to change my working posture to that of laying down and working with my laptop on a desk next to me, thus making my head stay at a weird angle. I did this for a few weeks and a neck pain started to develop. I was also playing a fair amount of snooker and leaning over and lining up shots also hurt my neck.

I've sinced stopped both of the aforementioned, but I can't get the neck pain to go away and I even hear some sort of popping noise when moving my neck or placing my hand over the affected spot and massaging it.

Any ideas or suggestions to rememdy this before seeing a doc. It seems having a thin soft pillow is better than a thicker harder pillow, but this alone is not enough to alleviate the pain.

Personally, I recommend a chiropractor. Works for me every time.

Take a hot shower (if you have hot water) Lay on your back on the bed if it is high enough to do so and relax with your head hanging off the soft edge of the mattress. The key is to relax so the neck vertebra can align themselves naturally. A warm towel under the neck will help you to relax also.

Try to consider also the position you sleep and the pillow you use

Thanks. I also see that youtube has some good informational videos.