I had what started out as neck stiffness, this was after a 8 hour shift wearing a bulletproof vest (very heavy) I thought I just strained something. Over time now my glands are very swollen all the way around the front under the chin. Worst of all now I cant swallow without intense pain.
It looks to me that you had neck muscles sprain. This can happen when your muscles has to work hard or sudden jerk at your neck. My suggestion to you is that first avoid any sudden movement of neck. Apply local heat either warm water bag, moist towel with warm water. You should also take muscle relaxant like moral or MySpace. Apart from this you can also apply local ointment such as Diclofenac gel. I hope York pain will be better in next two to three days avoid very cold temperature as it tends to prolong stiffness .take care.