You might want to try Epsom Salt lotion as well. I couldn't believe how much it helped with the swelling of my neck recently. Once the swelling calmed down the crazy muscle spasms and shooting pain went away as well.

(I had started the first few days by using Lidocaine patches which helped, but then when I introduced the Epsom Salt lotion and some self massage, the results were dramatically better, and the flare/spread went away.)