Welcome, Mac,

I was thinking sort of along the same lines as Jo*mar -- posture, job-related (DW & I both have similar issues; she was IT, I was primarily desk/computer related), TOS... I'm also thinking cervical degenerative disc disease and/or myofascial pain/trigger point syndrome because of the similarities (jobs/symptoms) between yourself and DW & I -- we both get/have something eerily similar to what you describe. I often hear/read, "But I've done the same job for X years and I was fine, then this just 'happened for no reason'", but it can take many years for this kind of stress to catch up and manifest, and then... it does just happen. Once the damage is done, it's very difficult (nigh impossible?) -- even with years of correction, PT, etc. -- to "fix".

A word about myofascial trigger point therapy... Many PTs claim to know about and do it, but IME, they don't know enough. We went to a certified MTP therapist (much more training & expertise) and there was a huge difference between her and all the PTs who claimed they knew the stuff and didn't. (NAYY)

IMO, there are a couple of ways (at least) of looking at pain management. One is the doctor throwing up hands out of frustration, treating the symptoms, dead-end way. The other (that I'm thinking of) is just using it as a way to keep you going and functional until better/more permanent amswers/solutions can be found. IME, attitude & outlook make a difference.

Doc