After shoulder surgery a couple years ago I developed neck issues that went down into the shoulder. They wanted to give me nerve blocks. Instead I opted for chiropractic from a spine and wellnes center. He used a hard tool called a graston method to break up scar tissue. It was uncomfortable but it actually worked and I have returned occassionally if it starts to flare. I also have used a stim unit a lot lately for neck shoulder and back pain. Oftrn it works well and the pain is gone before I go to reach for medication.
However in times of extreme stress I will occassionally use a low dose flexeral, or even half an ativan.
for muscle spasms Ionic Fiz (thanyou Mrs D.) works well.