Hi there, It is quite possible that there is some disc problem in the neck even if X-rays are normal. A muscle strain can explain the back pain, since there is a large muscle at that area called the trapezius that is quite commonly strained. However, that would not explain the shooting pains, which appears to be more of a nerve problem. What could have happened is that your back muscle went into a spasm in response to the irritation of the nerve. The imaging that you need to consider is an MRI, which would be able to show any disc damage and nerve compression. It is not essential right now, but is something to keep in mind if the problem doesn t improve down the road. You are doing the right things - rest and physiotherapy is the way to go. Anti-inflammatories like diclofenac or even celecoxib would be useful to calm down any inflammation around the irritated nerve, which helps to pull it away from whatever is pressing on it. A side perk is that it helps with the pain as well, which helps you function and sleep better. Hope this helps, let me know if you have further questions. Regards, Dr. Teh