These upper neck issues do heal over time but two things are often needed. A therapist (PT, massage, myofacial release, gentle chiro) to help the cervical joint to release spasms and settle into position and a patient who is disciplined with head and neck posture, especially while sleeping or napping. You can undo weeks of improvement by strain due to poor posture.

I had to stop using my head and neck only to look to the side as I needed to do to search the yard so I could pick up the backyard of dog droppings. I had to learn to turn with my shoulders. I also needed to find a way to sleep with a straight head and neck position. No head lift or droop to the side, etc.