Originally Posted by painfree

A large percentage of your symtoms may be the result of Myofascial Trigger Points in the muscles of your neck especially the Sternocleidomastoid.
Read the below link and review. Some of these can be self treated. There are many ways to treat trigger points in the muscles. The most important treatment is a home stretch program.

Head and Neck Pain
http://www.round-earth.com/HeadPainIntro.html

Especially read about the Sternocleidomastoid muscle
"It also seems like lying on my right side brings it on. I usually have it the first few hours after I wake up (especially if I wake up on my right side) and it will come on if I lay on my couch on my right side after about 15 minutes."
This will shorten and activate trigger points in the SCM. Read about at:

http://www.round-earth.com/SCM.html

I have no relation to the above web site but find the explanations clear and easy to understand. I am trained as a Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist.

I have treated a numer of clients/patients post neck surg with good long term results.

Best wishes.