I have a history of an old whiplash (10) years. I also have a couple of degenerated disks in my neck. I am 49 years old, female. Ove the past 3 weeks I have had chronic neck pain. Seems to be worse in the Morning and at night, although seems to be lasting longer into the day. The pain is at the base of the neck and cause me to have a "stiff neck" trouble turning from side to side. Some days worse on one side or the other. The pain is wearing me down and making me cranky, what should I do? I have had MRI last year (resluts were degen disease with compression) have had no recent injuries. Using Valium 5 mg& Lortab 1/2 of 7.5 (very sparingly, do not want to be dependant) have tried Motrin but it gives me severe gastric problems, the pain meds does not seem to help a great deal. Any suggections?

Optional Information:
Female

Already Tried:
MRI, Valium 5 mg, Lortab 1/2 of 7.5 mg, and Motrin, Motrin causes severe gastric sx, while the valium and lortab do not seem to really touch it. Am very leary of pain meds, do not want to become dependant.