Reddit mentions of Backache: What Exercises Work: Breakthrough Relief for the Rest of Your Life, Even After Drugs & Surgery Have Failed

It's quite possible you have a comorbid condition like arthritis or a disc problem or spinal stenosis. You should see a neurologist. The neurologist will probably order brain and neck MRIs. Depending on what is found there will determine your course of treatment.

In my case I have marked arthritis plus spinal stenosis in my neck plus an old shoulder injury. This turns into a neck spasm which results in super severe headaches. I have a history of migraine so sometimes it triggers a migraine as well. My treatment was 3 months of PT, Tylenol (can't take NSAIDs) and muscle relaxers. I continue to lift weights to keep my neck and shoulders in shape, plus do neck stretches, plus do yoga. My yoga teacher has bad neck problems (bulging discs) so we do neck exercises in every class. It has helped quite a bit.

You can check out /r/migraine and /r/chronicpain. I have written about my story there before.

Books on neck exercises: The McKenzie Method. It goes over posture as well as stretches. Posture is super critical, even sleeping posture. And Back Exercises by Dava Sobel. It has a whole chapter of neck exercises.

• https://www.amazon.com/Treat-Your-Own-Neck-803-5/dp/0987650416
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Backache-Exercises-Breakthrough-Relief-Surgery/dp/125006869X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1524759050&sr=1-1&keywords=dava+sobel+back+exercises